Arabic version: أوغندا تنسحب من دورة ألعاب إنفيكتوس العام المقبل

According to ABC News, Uganda has withdrawn from next year’s Invictus Games, saying it did not want its participation to be construed as opposition to King Charles III’s wishes.

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, chief of Uganda’s defence force and son of President Yoweri Museveni, said in a post on X that Uganda would not take part in any event without the king’s approval. “In order not to be construed as being opposed to His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom, whom we deeply revere, Uganda hereby withdraws from the Invictus Games,” he said.

The withdrawal follows King Charles’s letter on Tuesday to UK government and military officials stating that Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, would not resume royal duties. The couple announced in January 2020 that they were stepping back from official royal roles and moved to California six years ago.

Prince Harry launched the Invictus Games in 2014 for wounded, injured and sick military service people. A military veteran who served two tours in Afghanistan, he has said that witnessing battlefield injuries among fellow soldiers inspired him to help injured veterans lead healthy lives.

The Games have been held seven times, including the 2018 edition in Sydney, while last year’s event was staged in Vancouver, Canada. Uganda’s participation in the Birmingham event was announced in July, when Harry was in London promoting next year’s Games.

Veterans’ services and mental health have become central to Harry and Meghan’s philanthropy through their Archewell Foundation. Harry’s advocacy has also included visits with wounded military personnel, including a Ukrainian clinic that rehabilitates victims of war.