Prince Harry: Uganda Withdraws from Invictus Games Out of Respect for Charles III

In his message, Muhoozi Kainerugaba explained that Uganda did not wish to participate in any initiative that, in his view, would not have the approval of the British sovereign. However, he did not cite any public statement from King Charles III expressing opposition to the Invictus Games, of which Harry remains the founder and patron.

The announcement comes two days after an official clarification from Buckingham Palace regarding the status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. A letter sent on behalf of Charles III to British officials reminded that Harry and Meghan have not resumed active membership in the royal family since their return to the United Kingdom and that their charitable activities continue to be conducted privately.

The withdrawal marks a dramatic turnaround for Uganda. The country was admitted on July 7, 2026, as the 26th member of the Invictus community and the first East African country to join the movement. Kampala had then confirmed its participation in the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham.

A partnership committed since 2025

Cooperation between the Ugandan army and the Invictus Foundation had accelerated since an agreement was signed in October 2025 to develop rehabilitation through sport for injured and ill military personnel. The Foundation subsequently announced initial aid of £15,000 to support the purchase of equipment and the establishment of adapted activities in Uganda.

Upon the country’s admission to the movement in July, Ugandan Defense Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka welcomed this entry into the Invictus community and thanked Prince Harry for his role in creating an international network dedicated to the physical and psychological rehabilitation of wounded military personnel.

Created in 2014, the Invictus Games bring together injured, ill, or disabled military personnel and veterans through sporting competitions. The project has become one of the main public initiatives associated with Prince Harry since his withdrawal from royal duties in 2020.

Kampala’s decision now calls into question Uganda’s initial competitive commitment announced for Birmingham in 2027, while its entry into the Invictus community had been presented this summer as an important step in the program’s expansion in Africa.