Uganda made a proud and memorable appearance at the inaugural Invictus Gala held yesterday at the historic Old Royal Navy College in Greenwich, London, a night dedicated to honouring courage, resilience and the global Invictus spirit.
Founded in 2014 by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, the Invictus Games Foundation supports wounded, injured and sick servicemen and veterans through sport based rehabilitation. The gala brought together the worldwide Invictus community to celebrate individuals whose sacrifice and service have strengthened peace and security in their nations.
Prince Harry described the evening as a tribute to “the people who kept going, and those who stood beside them” and a promise that no recovering service member will walk their journey alone.
One of the night’s most exciting moments was the auction of a trip to Uganda to see the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable forest , a powerful showcase of Uganda’s natural beauty and a boost for national tourism.
The gala raised over £1.6 million, funds that will expand opportunities for wounded, injured and sick service personnel worldwide to heal and rebuild their lives through sport.
Earlier in the day, Hon. Grace Akifeza Ngabirano, Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, met with IGF CEO Rob Owen to discuss preparations for the Invictus Games 2027 in Birmingham. Owen applauded Uganda’s commitment to peace in Eastern Africa and encouraged the country to champion the Invictus mission across the region.
Uganda’s presence at the gala was marked by high level representation led by Hon. Grace Akifeza Ngabirano, the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Defence); H.E. Nimisha Madhivan, Uganda’s High Commissioner to the UK and Ireland; Maj Gen Richard Karemire, Joint Staff- Formal Education, Sports and Culture and other senior Ugandan officials.
Uganda’s participation not only celebrated its servicemen and veterans but also amplified its voice in a global movement built on recovery, dignity and resilience. The inaugural gala set the tone for deeper collaboration, stronger advocacy and a renewed commitment to empowering those who have sacrificed for their nations.
