Uganda’s military has confirmed it will participate in Prince Harry’s Invictus Games after reversing a withdrawal announced just days ago, following a direct conversation between Buckingham Palace and Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces.
The turnaround came after Sir Clive Alderton, the King’s principal private secretary, spoke by phone with General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. He conveyed that King Charles III had “no problem” with Uganda’s participation in the games.
According to a Ugandan military spokesman, Sir Clive “encouraged the CDF to proceed with preparations” to take part. Kainerugaba subsequently cconfirmedthat Uganda would resume those preparations.
Uganda had only been announced as the 26th nation to join the Invictus Games in July. Last Wednesday, General Kainerugaba posted on social media that the country was withdrawing, saying:
“We shall not participate in anything that does not have His Majesty’s approval.”
Dissolved Concerns
His concern appeared to stem from a letter sent on behalf of the King clarifying that Prince Harry and Meghan remained non-working royals and private citizens. This had created uncertainty about the royal family’s position on events associated with the Duke of Sussex. The Palace’s intervention appears to have directly resolved that uncertainty.
A royal source described the outcome as “positive for all sides” and said organisations uncertain about the Sussexes’ role were welcome to seek guidance directly from the Palace.
Invictus Games Foundation CEO Rob Owen welcomed Uganda’s return.
“Uganda became our 26th nation earlier this year, joining a growing movement that provides year-round recovery opportunities for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans across the world,” he said.
