Uganda Becomes First East African Nation to Join Invictus Games Community

Uganda has officially joined the Invictus Games community, becoming the 26th participating nation and the first East African country to join the global movement that uses sport to support the recovery of wounded, injured and sick service personnel.

The announcement came on July 7, 2026, during the 14th Invictus Games Foundation Conversation at Chatham House in London. The event, themed From Policy to Practice, brought together experts, policymakers and members of the Invictus community as part of the one-year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham.

Prince Harry, Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, welcomed Uganda into the community.

“Growth has never been about numbers. It’s about reaching those who need us most. Building partnerships that last. And ensuring that no one feels they’re making this journey alone,” Prince Harry said.

The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, thanked the Invictus Games Foundation and Prince Harry for welcoming Uganda.

“This milestone reflects our shared commitment to wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women who have sacrificed greatly in service to our nation,” Kiwanuka said.

Kiwanuka said the partnership affirms Uganda’s belief that “those who have borne the burdens of service deserve every opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity, purpose and hope”.

“They are our living heroes,” he added.

The minister credited President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his leadership and Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba for supporting Uganda’s bid to join the Invictus community during the Invictus Games Foundation leadership visit to Kampala on October 10, 2025.

“Uganda’s admission as the first East African nation to formally engage with the Foundation is both an honour and a responsibility,” the minister said.

“We look forward to learning from other member nations while contributing our own experience to the global Invictus movement.”

Kiwanuka also confirmed that Uganda will compete at the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham.

Uganda’s admission follows a formal agreement signed between the Uganda People’s Defence Force and the Invictus Games Foundation in October 2025 to strengthen rehabilitation services for wounded soldiers.

Before the agreement, the Foundation visited Uganda to assess sports rehabilitation facilities and meet wounded service personnel and their families. It also visited veterans at the Mubende Defence Forces Rehabilitation and Vocational Centre, where it donated sports equipment.