Uganda has officially secured its place in the global Invictus Community, becoming the 26th nation to join the movement and only the second African country to be admitted.
The landmark announcement was made during the Invictus Games Foundation's "From Policy to Practice" conversation in London, confirming that Uganda will make its historic first appearance at the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027.
The admission represents a significant boost for Uganda's efforts to support wounded, injured and sick members of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) and military veterans through sport-based rehabilitation and recovery programmes.
The Invictus Games Foundation said its decision followed engagements with Uganda over the past two years, including an exploratory visit that highlighted the resilience of the country's military community and the potential for sport to play a greater role in physical and psychological recovery.
To support Uganda's integration into the programme, the Foundation has awarded an initial development grant worth £15,000. The funding will help provide essential sporting equipment and establish the country's first recovery-focused sporting activities for injured service personnel and veterans.
Invictus Games Foundation Chief Executive Officer Rob Owen welcomed Uganda into the growing international community, saying the country's commitment to supporting its wounded servicemen and women aligns with the Foundation's mission of expanding access to recovery through sport.
Uganda's Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, described the development as a proud moment for the country, saying Uganda looks forward to working with the Foundation to build sustainable rehabilitation programmes while preparing athletes for future competitions.
Uganda's debut at the Birmingham 2027 Games is expected to coincide with the largest edition of the Invictus Games ever staged, bringing together wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans from an expanded list of participating nations.
Founded in 2014, the Invictus Games use adaptive sport to aid the recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration of military personnel and veterans, while celebrating resilience, courage and the unconquered human spirit. Uganda's entry into the community marks another milestone for the country's defence sector and positions it among nations using sport as a powerful tool for healing and hope.