Uganda will now take part in Harry's Invictus Games after King's reassurance

Uganda’s defence leadership announced it will take part in Prince Harry’s Invictus Games for wounded veterans, reversing a previous decision to withdraw. The shift follows a telephone call with Sir Clive Alderton, the King’s principal private secretary, who assured officials that the monarch had "no problem" with their involvement in the competition. According to a Ugandan military spokesperson, Alderton “encouraged the CDF [Chief of Defence Forces] to proceed with preparations” for the Games. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the country’s chief of defence forces, had earlier stated that the withdrawal was made “not to be construed as being opposed to His Majesty King Charles III”. The change of heart came after a backstage discussion between Alderton and General Kainerugaba addressed concerns about the King’s stance on Uganda’s participation. The Games are scheduled to be held in Birmingham next year. General Kainerugaba, who is also the son of Uganda’s president, had announced the initial withdrawal on Wednesday via a post on X, declaring, “We shall not enactment successful thing that does not person His Majesty's approval.” A spokesperson for Uganda’s military quoted the General as saying, “In the telephone conversation, General Kainerugaba appreciated the King's connection and clarity provided by Buckingham Palace connected the subject, promising that the UPDF [Ugandan People's Defence Force] would resume preparations to enactment successful the upcoming games.” It remains unclear whether Buckingham Palace initiated the contact or whether Ugandan officials reached out first. Uganda had only been listed as a participant in July, and the earlier decision to pull out had been linked to a Palace letter clarifying that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain private citizens and cannot undertake official royal engagements. A royal source described the outcome as a positive result for all parties, thanking Uganda for its understanding and noting that the episode demonstrated the Palace’s ability to address questions and uncertainty surrounding the Sussexes.