Uganda is set to take part in the upcoming Invictus Games – all thanks to King Charles III.
Chris Magezi, a military officer serving as spokesperson of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), took to his official X handle on Monday, September 14, to release an official statement, confirming the country’s participation in Prince Harry’s 2027 Invictus Games, scheduled to be held in Birmingham, UK.
“General Muhoozi Kainerugaba Reinstates UPDF Participation in the 2027 Invictus Games,” read the letter’s subject.
In the statement, Magezi shared that after speaking to King Charles III’s office and receiving the monarch’s approval, General Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, decided to approve the country’s armed forces’ participation in the highly anticipated sporting event.
-_-X_updates.png)
“The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has approved UPDF participation in the upcoming Invictus Games next year in Birmingham, United Kingdom. The decision follows a telephone conversation between General Kainerugaba and the Principal Private Secretary to His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen of the United Kingdom, the Right Honourable Sir Clive Alderton K.C.V.O,” the statement read.
It continued, “In the discussion, Sir Alderton revealed that King Charles III was moved by General Kainerugaba's sensitive consideration of the King's opinion on the upcoming Invictus Games organized by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex. Sir Alderton said King Charles III has no problem with Uganda's participation in the Invictus Games, and encouraged the CDF to proceed with preparations for UPDF's participation in the games.”
The official also shared that General Kainerugaba appreciated King Charles’ message and clarity provided by Buckingham Palace on the subject, promising that the UPDF would resume preparations to participate in the upcoming games.
Furthermore, in the message, Chris Magezi explained that Uganda had previously withdrawn its participation from the Games in order to avoid straining ties with the British monarch and the Royal Family.
“Uganda joined the Games this year as the 26th member nation, but the CDF had withdrawn UPDF participation in the upcoming games to preserve Uganda's close relationship with the British Monarchy after Buckingham Palace had earlier issued a statement indicating that the Invictus Games were a private charity organization,” they shared.
What is Invictus Games?
The Invictus Games is an international multi-sport event founded by Prince Harry in 2014 for wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans.
