Uganda will now take part in Harry’s Invictus Games next year after the King’s right-hand man telephoned the country’s military chief to smooth over relations.
Private secretary Sir Clive Alderton called General Muhoozi Kainerugaba to say that King Charles had been ‘moved’ by his ‘sensitive consideration’ of what His Majesty’s opinion might be on the forthcoming event to be held in Birmingham next year.
The Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations last week announced on X that he was pulling his country’s entry to the Paralympic-style event for military personnel over the ongoing ‘Harry-Meghan nonsense’ following the couple’s bombshell return to the UK.
It prompted a stinging response from the Duke and Duchess of Sussexes’ spokesman who claimed the letter sent out last week by the Lord Chamberlain emphasising the couple’s status as ‘private citizens’ had ‘directly or indirectly’ caused the Ugandans to pull out and shockingly accused the palace of negatively affecting military personnel and veterans.
As monarch, the King is head of the armed forces and immediately made clear that he was ‘supportive’ of all and organisation and initiatives that benefited the military.
Now in another statement on social media Colonel Chris Magezi, acting director of Defence Public Information in Uganda, said the matter had been resolved after Sir Clive made a discreet telephone call.
He said: ‘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.
Prince Harry meets a delegation from Uganda during at an event at Chatham House in London on July 8 as the country was announced the newest Invictus Games community member
Prince Harry and Invictus boss Rob Owen (left) present a commemorative plaque in London in July to Kiryowa Kiwanuka (second left), Uganda’s Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba had said Uganda was pulling out of the Invictus Games
‘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.
‘In the telephone conversation, General Kainerugaba appreciated the King’s message and clarity provided by Buckingham Palace on the subject, promising that the UPDF would resume preparations to participate in the upcoming 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. 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.’
It is not clear who reached out first, Buckingham Palace or the Uganda military.
But is understood that Buckingham Palace believes it shows how the King’s guidance in his letter last week – that anyone unclear how the Sussexes should be handled should contact Buckingham Palace for guidance – is an example of how the system is working and has had a ‘positive outcome for all’.
A source said they were ‘most grateful’ to the Ugandans for their ‘courtesy and understanding’ on this issue and stand ready to assist any other organisations who may wish for assistance on such matters.
