Key facts
- Uganda will participate in the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham.
- King Charles III's principal private secretary, Sir Clive Alderton, reassured Uganda of royal support.
- General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Uganda's president, announced the country's withdrawal over concerns about royal approval.
- The withdrawal was linked to a clarification of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's non-working royal status.
Uganda has reversed its decision to withdraw from Prince Harry's Invictus Games after receiving assurances from King Charles III. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Ugandan military chief and son of the president, had previously announced the country would not participate, citing a need for royal approval.
Following a telephone conversation between Kainerugaba and Sir Clive Alderton, the principal private secretary to the King and Queen, Uganda's participation has been reinstated for the 2027 Games in Birmingham. Alderton conveyed that King Charles III was moved by Kainerugaba's consideration of the King's opinion and "has no problem with Uganda’s participation in the Invictus Games, and encouraged the [Chief of Defence Forces] CDF to proceed with preparations."
Kainerugaba appreciated the message and clarity from Buckingham Palace, promising that the Uganda People's Defence Force would resume preparations. The initial withdrawal was speculated to be a response to a letter from the Palace clarifying the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's status as non-working royals. Kainerugaba reportedly stated his support for the monarch and his desire to "quash" any perceived opposition to him.