Uganda military chief announces withdrawal from Invictus Games
Uganda’s military chief said on September 9, 2026, that the country would withdraw from the Invictus Games, citing respect for King Charles III. A government spokesperson confirmed that participation was his decision.
In short
- Uganda’s military chief said on September 9, 2026, that the country would withdraw from the Invictus Games, citing respect for King Charles III.
- A government spokesperson confirmed that participation was his decision.
Uganda’s military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, announced on September 9, 2026, that the country would withdraw from the Invictus Games, saying he wanted to avoid any suggestion of opposition to King Charles III.
Kainerugaba made the announcement on X. Ugandan government spokesperson Alan Kasujja subsequently told the BBC that the general decides whether the Uganda People’s Defence Force participates, according to [The Guardian’s report](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/09/uganda-withdraws-invictus-games-out-of-respect-king-charles). [ITV News also reported the withdrawal announcement](https://www.itv.com/news/2026-09-09/is-palace-letter-to-blame-for-uganda-withdrawing-from-harrys-invictus-games).
The decision comes about two months after Uganda was announced as the 26th country to join the multisport event for wounded service personnel, which was founded by Prince Harry.
Kainerugaba’s statement followed a royal household letter reiterating that Harry and Meghan were not working royals and undertook their charitable activities privately. His explanation for withdrawing represents his stated position; it does not establish that the King asked Uganda to leave the Games.
The Guardian said it had approached the Invictus Games and Harry’s representatives for comment. Its report included no response from either.
