King Charles steps in as Uganda rejoins Invictus Games
Uganda is set to compete at the Invictus Games after King Charles III stepped in to reverse its withdrawal.
The decision followed a phone call from Sir Clive Alderton, Principal Private Secretary to The King, the King’s most senior aide, to Uganda’s military chief. Uganda had pulled out in the week before 14 September 2026, but is now planning to take part again after that conversation, Royal Central reported.
The row began with posts on social media from General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, head of the Uganda People’s Defence Force. He said Uganda would not send a team out of respect for King Charles. In a separate post, he said the withdrawal was over “Harry-Meghan nonsense”.
Sir Clive then telephoned General Kainerugaba to explain that King Charles had “no problem” with Uganda participating. That detail was revealed by Uganda People’s Defence Force spokesperson Chris Magezi, who described the call to reporters.
The Invictus Games, the international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick military personnel, was helped into being by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex. King Charles and Prince William, Prince of Wales attended the first Games in London. The next edition will be held in Birmingham.
Uganda had joined the Invictus Community of Nations in July as its 26th member. Team Uganda was due to make its debut at the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, according to the Invictus Games Foundation. The Foundation had also supplied new equipment to support sports recovery work in Uganda.
The episode has touched a wider question about status. Buckingham Palace has written to British military leaders, lord lieutenants and government officials involved in organising royal engagements to confirm that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are private citizens.
For fans, this means the Birmingham story stays on track. A new team gets its debut. An old row gets parked, at least for now.
