Uganda becomes the 26th Nation to Join the Invictus Community and Confirms Participation in the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027
The Invictus Games Foundation is proud to announce Uganda as the 26th nation to join the Invictus Community, becoming the second African nation to join and confirming participation in the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027.
The announcement took place at the IGF Conversation From Policy to Practice, alongside an international panel of Ministers for Veterans Affairs, marking another important step in delivering the Foundation's strategy to build a global movement, focusing support where the need is great and ensuring more international wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans can access the power of sport for recovery.
Following an exploratory visit to Uganda last year, the Foundation was inspired by the resilience, determination and camaraderie within the country's military community. The visit also highlighted an opportunity to strengthen recovery pathways by introducing new opportunities for sport for recovery. A subsequent visit to London in November 2025 by a Ugandan delegation enabled leaders to learn from more than a decade of international experience within the UK and explore how sport can become an integral part of rehabilitation and long-term recovery for those injured during service.
To help with developing further pathways, the Invictus Games Foundation has awarded Uganda an initial development grant of £15,000 to provide essential sports equipment and establish its first recovery activities, creating opportunities for wounded, injured and sick service personnel to rebuild confidence, reconnect with others and rediscover purpose beyond injury.
Rob Owen OBE, Chief Executive Officer of the Invictus Games Foundation, said:
"We are delighted to welcome Uganda into the Invictus Community as our 26th member nation. This is our strategy in action.
Our ambition is to bring the Invictus Games Foundation’s approach to recovery to nations where it can make the greatest difference. Uganda has shown a real commitment to supporting its wounded, injured and sick service personnel, and together we will help create further opportunities for recovery that will benefit individuals, families and communities.
We hope this is only the beginning—not just for Uganda, but for the wider region. By demonstrating the power of sport to support recovery, we can inspire others across Africa and continue building a movement founded on respect for the unconquered human spirit."
The Rt Hon Kiwanuka, Uganda's Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, said:
We are honoured to join a network that recognizes the transformative power of sport in rehabilitation, recovery, resilience, and reintegration.
We are grateful to the leadership of the Invictus Games Foundation for their confidence in Uganda and for partnering with us to develop sustainable programmes for our veterans and serving personnel. Their support marks a new chapter for our servicemen and women.
We are proud to join now and we look forward to competing in future Games.”
Uganda has also confirmed its participation in the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, where it will make its Games debut alongside competitors from across the world.
Helen Helliwell, Chief Executive Officer of the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, said:
"We are delighted that Team Uganda will make their Games debut at the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 as they become the 26th nation to join the Invictus Community.
We are proud to be delivering what will be the biggest Invictus Games to date in terms of the participating nations. We look forward to giving Uganda a warm welcome to Birmingham as part of their Invictus Journey”
ENDS
Notes to editors
Photos will be available from PA (UK and Ireland) and Alamy (International)
Media contact: Sam Newell Media@invictusgames.org