KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda has made a sudden decision to withdraw from the Invictus Games, in a move announced by military chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba on September 9.

Uganda had previously announced that it would participate in the international sporting event, making the latest decision a notable reversal.

Kainerugaba said Uganda would not participate in an event without the approval of King Charles III, citing the country's respect for the British monarch.

The announcement has immediately drawn international attention because Uganda had only recently joined the Invictus Games community.

The Invictus Games were established to support wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans through international sporting competition.

Uganda's withdrawal comes amid renewed attention surrounding the relationship between King Charles, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and the changing status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex within the British royal family.

The decision could also raise questions about Uganda's future participation in international military and sporting initiatives.

For Uganda, the move represents a significant foreign-policy and defence-related decision, particularly given the country's previous enthusiasm about joining the event.

The development is expected to generate further discussion in Uganda over the country's international partnerships and the role of senior military leadership in major policy announcements.

Uganda's reversal now puts its planned Invictus Games participation firmly back under the spotlight.