Uganda has reversed its decision to withdraw from the Invictus Games, an event founded by Prince Harry for veterans. This change followed an intervention by a senior aide to King Charles III, as confirmed by the Ugandan army.
Initially, Uganda joined the games in July, but last week, they announced their withdrawal before competing in the 2027 tournament in Birmingham, England. The head of Uganda’s armed forces cited concerns about harming the nation’s relationship with King Charles III as the reason for the withdrawal.
The Ugandan government reported that Sir Clive Alderton, King Charles’ most senior aide, assured that the king had no objections to Uganda’s participation in the Invictus Games.
Colonel Chris Magezi, Uganda’s acting director of defense public information, stated on X: “The decision follows a telephone conversation between General Kainerugaba and the Principal Private Secretary to His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen of the United Kingdom, the Right Honourable Sir Clive Alderton K.C.V.O.”
Sir Alderton conveyed that King Charles III appreciated General Kainerugaba’s sensitivity to his opinion regarding the games. He encouraged Uganda’s Continuing Defense Force (CDF) to move forward with their participation.
Reasons Behind the Withdrawal
Uganda’s initial withdrawal surprised both the Sussex camp and the Invictus Games team. Some believed it correlated with a letter from Buckingham Palace stating the Sussexes were now “private citizens,” not “working royals.” Magezi confirmed this was indeed the root cause. Alderton’s involvement demonstrated Buckingham Palace’s support for Harry.
The situation highlighted potential tensions between these parties.
Reconfirmation of Participation
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, head of the armed forces and son of Uganda’s president, announced Uganda’s return to the games. In a post on X dated September 9, he shared details of his conversation with Alderton, assuring that Uganda would resume preparations for the event.
The Invictus Games, launched in 2014 by Prince Harry, is a multi-sport event for wounded, injured, and sick military personnel and veterans. This year, Uganda became the 26th member nation. The CDF had paused Uganda’s participation to maintain close ties with the British Monarchy after a statement from Buckingham Palace described the Invictus Games as a private charity.