The collaboration was formalized during a meeting at the Chieftaincy of Defence Intelligence and Security Headquarters in Mbuya, where the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, hosted a delegation from the Invictus Games Foundation led by David Wiseman and Helen D’Oley.
Gen Muhoozi described the partnership as a “significant milestone” in improving the physical and psychological welfare of UPDF personnel injured in the line of duty.
“A partnership with an organization of Invictus’s global stature and expertise will greatly strengthen our rehabilitation programs. We are eager to explore avenues of cooperation, especially in adaptive sports and knowledge exchange,” Gen Muhoozi said.
The visit by the Invictus delegation followed earlier engagements with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Defence Minister Oboth Oboth, demonstrating high-level government support for the initiative.
The team also toured the Defence Forces Rehabilitation and Vocational Centre in Mubende, where they interacted with soldiers recovering from injuries sustained in operations.
During the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on sports was signed between Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports and the Invictus Games Foundation.
The agreement seeks to promote sport as a tool for rehabilitation and facilitate Uganda’s participation in the global Invictus community.
The Minister of State for Sports, Peter Ogwang, who witnessed the signing, commended Gen Muhoozi’s leadership in integrating sports into the army’s welfare programs.
“Sport is a powerful instrument for recovery and unity. This partnership marks the beginning of a transformative journey for our wounded soldiers,” Ogwang said.
Other officials at the ceremony included Brig Gen Richard Karemire, UPDF Joint Staff for Formal Education, Sports and Culture; the General Secretary of the National Council of Sports; and senior aides from the Office of the President.
The Invictus Games Foundation delegation expressed gratitude for Uganda’s hospitality and coordination, praising the resilience and determination of the soldiers they met in Mubende.
Founded in 2014 by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, the Invictus Games Foundation promotes the use of sport to aid the recovery of wounded, injured, and sick service personnel.
The Duke was inspired to establish the Games after witnessing the transformative power of adaptive sports at the U.S. Warrior Games in 2013.
