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Uganda pulls out of the Invictus Games citing concerns over royal approval, prompting diplomatic questions and debate on sporting participation.
Uganda announced it will pull out of the Invictus Games, the international event for wounded military veterans, after General Muhoozi Kainerugaba said the country should not be seen as opposing King Charles III. The decision was made public on the military chief’s social media account and confirmed by a government spokesman.
General Kainerugaba posted that Uganda would not participate in anything that lacked the King’s approval and framed the withdrawal as an expression of reverence for His Majesty. The spokesman for the Ugandan government told the BBC that the general decides whether the Uganda People’s Defence Force participates and that he would notify the world if his position changed.
The announcement followed a letter from the King’s office clarifying that Prince Harry and Meghan are no longer working royals, a point noted in media reports and referenced by the general in remarks about the couple. Organizers of the Invictus Games said they had not received official notice of Uganda’s withdrawal and are seeking clarification from contacts in Uganda.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba publicly framed the withdrawal as a measure to avoid appearing opposed to King Charles III. The government spokesman confirmed the general’s authority over participation. Invictus Games organizers reported no formal notification and are requesting clarification.