Uganda U-turns on decision to shun Prince Harry’s Invictus Games after King Charles intervenes in call with military chief

Uganda has reversed its decision to withdraw from Prince Harry’s Invictus Games after receiving clarification about King Charles’s position.

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s military chief, had initially criticised the controversy surrounding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as “Meghan and Harry nonsense.” Explaining Uganda’s original decision, he wrote: “In order not to be construed as being opposed to His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom, whom we deeply revere, Uganda hereby withdraws from the Invictus Games.”

He added: “We shall not participate in anything that does not have His Majesty’s approval.” Uganda has now resumed preparations after a telephone conversation involving the King’s private secretary, Sir Clive Alderton, and Ugandan officials.

According to Uganda’s military spokesperson, Chris Magezi, Sir Clive clarified that “King Charles III has no problem with Uganda’s participation” and encouraged the country to continue preparing for the Games. A statement issued after the conversation said: “General Kainerugaba appreciated the King’s message and clarity provided by Buckingham Palace on the subject, promising that the UPDF would resume preparations to participate in the upcoming games.”

Magezi also said the King was moved by Kainerugaba’s consideration of his opinion concerning Uganda’s participation. Uganda became the 26th nation to join the Invictus Games community in July. Defence Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka previously praised Kainerugaba for “championing our team’s entry” during an event at Chatham House in London.

The Invictus Games were founded by Prince Harry to support wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans. King Charles attended the first Games in London in 2014 and is expected to be invited to the next event in Birmingham, although it remains unclear whether he will attend. Palace sources reportedly view Uganda’s reversal as evidence that organisations can contact Buckingham Palace when they need clarification about how to engage with Harry and Meghan, who are not working members of the Royal Family.

A source connected to the Sussexes expressed concern about the effect of the disagreement, saying: “Sadly, the only people who will suffer here are members of the Invictus community.” Uganda’s return means its military team can now continue preparing to participate alongside the other nations represented at the Games.