Uganda has reversed its decision to withdraw from the Invictus Games, an international sporting event for wounded military personnel, after the country’s top military official said he had been reassured by King Charles III that there was no issue with Uganda’s participation. The change came after General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the eldest son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and head of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), initially announced last week that Uganda would not take part in the 2027 games, which will be held in Birmingham, England. His original decision was reportedly influenced by concerns over the “Harry-Meghan nonsense,” referring to the media coverage and controversies surrounding Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020. On Monday, the UPDF’s spokesperson, Chris Magezi, announced that Kainerugaba had reversed the decision following a phone call between the general and Clive Alderton, the principal private secretary to King Charles III and Queen Camilla. According to Magezi, Alderton conveyed that the king was moved by Kainerugaba’s consideration of the monarch’s views on the Invictus Games, which are organized by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex. The king reportedly expressed no objections to Uganda’s participation and encouraged Kainerugaba to continue preparations for the games. Kainerugaba then confirmed that Uganda would proceed with its participation, citing the clarity provided by Buckingham Palace. In his earlier announcement, Kainerugaba had expressed concerns that Uganda’s involvement in the games might be seen as opposing King Charles III, whom Uganda “deeply reveres.” He said the country would not participate in any event without the king’s approval. This statement came amid speculation that it was a response to a recent letter from Buckingham Palace, which clarified that the Invictus Games are a private charity and not an official royal event. The king attended the 2014 launch of the games but has not confirmed his attendance in 2027. When asked about his decision, Kainerugaba reportedly said he wanted to counter factions in the defense ministry that supported the “Harry-Meghan nonsense” and emphasized his support for the monarch. Kainerugaba’s reversal comes after he and Prince Harry had previously stood together in London to announce Uganda’s participation in the Invictus Games. Kainerugaba, a graduate of the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, like Harry, has been appointed army chief in 2024 and is seen as a potential successor to President Museveni. He has a history of making controversial posts on social media, including threats against neighboring Kenya and demands related to celebrities. The Invictus Games and representatives for King Charles have not yet commented on the situation.