Uganda’s military chief, General David Kainerugaba, has announced the country’s withdrawal from the Invictus Games, a sports event founded by Prince Harry for wounded military personnel, according to a report in The Times newspaper. The decision, attributed to concerns over the “Harry-Meghan nonsense,” has sparked controversy and raised questions about Uganda’s commitment to the event.

Official Withdrawal and Royal Allegiances

General Kainerugaba stated that Uganda would no longer participate in the Invictus Games, declaring: “We shall not participate in anything that does not have His Majesty’s approval.” This announcement followed a letter from the UK Palace on behalf of King Charles III, clarifying that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are no longer considered working royals, according to BBC. The Ugandan military leader emphasized that the decision was made to avoid being perceived as opposing the King, whom Uganda deeply reveres.

Uganda had officially joined the Invictus Games in July, becoming the 26th nation and the first from East Africa to participate, as reported by HELLO! Magazine. At that time, Prince Harry was in London promoting the event, which highlights the resilience and rehabilitation of injured service members; However, the recent decision to withdraw has cast doubt on the country’s continued involvement in the upcoming games, scheduled for next year in Birmingham.

Behind the Decision

According to The Times, General Kainerugaba expressed frustration with factions in the Ugandan Ministry of Defence that supported the “Harry-Meghan nonsense.” He claimed to have taken immediate action to counter this influence, stating: “I support the monarch. Period.” This suggests that the withdrawal from the Invictus Games is not merely a sporting decision, but one rooted in broader political and symbolic considerations.

Uganda’s government spokesman, Alan Kasujja, confirmed the military chief’s stance to the BBC, stating: “General Kainerugaba decides whether or not the UPDF [Uganda People’s Defence Force] participates in the Invictus Games. What you saw is his stated position. If it changes, he will let the world know.” The statement indicates that the withdrawal is a formal and deliberate decision made by the military leadership, rather than a spontaneous or informal one.

Reactions and Clarifications

Royal sources have clarified that King Charles III supports all initiatives aimed at aiding wounded service personnel, and that the King has not discouraged Uganda’s participation in the Invictus Games. A spokesman for the Invictus Games also stated that they had not received any official communication about Uganda’s withdrawal and are seeking clarification from their contacts in the country.

Meanwhile, General Kainerugaba has been active on social media, where he has made several controversial posts. Among them was a statement reading: “I consider myself the most handsome, most daring and glorious Commander who ever lived.” He also posted angry messages about other generals who had danced without his permission, according to the BBC.

Separately, recent reports have indicated that Prince Harry and King Charles III have spoken by phone since Harry’s return to the UK, according to HELLO! Magazine. This contradicts earlier reports suggesting the two had not yet spoken. Australian royal reporter Bronte Coy confirmed this on The Morning Show, stating that her sources indicated a direct phone call had taken place, even though the King and his youngest son had not yet met in person.