The British High Commission in Kampala launches a Commonwealth Sport Campaign celebrating shared values, Ugandan athletic excellence, and a historic moment for African leadership in global sport.
The campaign celebrates the shared values of the 74 Commonwealth nations and territories as they prepare to compete in Scotland from July 23 to August 2, 2026.
This summer the games will bring together around 3,000 athletes from across the world. Uganda will be among them, sending more than 50 athletes across nine sports, led by world-class distance runners, para-athletes, boxers, and the She Cranes netball team, currently ranked sixth in the world.
“We chose to launch this campaign through a conversation rather than a ceremony because it’s about connections, shared ground, and the everyday interactions that make sport possible.” H.E. Lisa Chesney, the British High Commissioner to Uganda remarked.
Uganda at the heart of the Commonwealth
Uganda has been part of the Commonwealth Games since 1954, and has competed at every Games since, with one exception.
Over seven decades, Ugandan athletes have won 58 medals across athletics and boxing, with particular strength in long-distance running. Uganda has won the men’s 10,000 metres at five consecutive Commonwealth Games. At Birmingham 2022, Jacob Kiplimo took gold in both the 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres, and Victor Kiplangat won Uganda’s first-ever Commonwealth marathon gold. That record of excellence is now matched by a landmark moment in sport governance.
Dr Donald Rukare, a Ugandan lawyer and sports administrator with more than three decades of experience, was elected President of Commonwealth Sport in November 2025, becoming the first person from the Africa region to lead the organisation. Commonwealth Sport governs the Games and oversees a movement spanning 74 nations and territories.
“This campaign is really about the athletes. Husnah Kukundakwe, who stepped onto the world stage at just 14 and became Uganda’s first paraswimmer at a Commonwealth Games. Denis Mbaziira, Uganda’s first parapowerlifter. And Jacob Kiplimo and Victor Kiplangat, who broke records and won gold at Birmingham 2022.
Alongside Dr Don Rukare’s election as the first African President of Commonwealth Sport, they show why this moment matters. As the UK prepares to host the Games in Glasgow, we look forward to celebrating Ugandan excellence and the most inclusive Commonwealth Games to date.” H.E. Lisa Chesney, the British High Commissioner to Uganda said.
In his remarks, Dr Donald Rukare highlighted that “Sports, in our society, is more than competition; it’s a powerful force for unity, health, and progress.”
“It builds character, bridges divides, and inspires youth to dream big. In Uganda where cycling paths wind through our vibrant communities, and fields host athlete dreams, sports foster peace, empower athletes especially women and girls, and drive national pride.”
Glasgow 2026: the most inclusive Games in history
Glasgow 2026 will be the most inclusive Commonwealth Games ever held. Para-sport has been fully integrated into the Games since Manchester 2002, a global first for major multi-sport events, and that commitment has grown at every Games since. Glasgow 2026 will feature 47 para-sport gold medals across six sports, the largest integrated para programme in Commonwealth Games history. For the first time, the first medal of the Games will be awarded in a para-sport event: Para Powerlifting.
Uganda’s para-athletes are central to that story. Husnah Kukundakwe made history as the youngest athlete to compete at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, at just 14 years old, and became Uganda’s first paraswimmer to compete at a Commonwealth Games. Denis Mbaziira, a polio survivor, became the first Ugandan to represent the country in powerlifting at the Paralympic Games. Both carry with them something that cannot be measured in medals: the proof that Ugandan sport is broader, more determined, and more inclusive than many realize.
What the campaign looks like in practice
The campaign will feature a diverse mix of digital storytelling and high-profile in-person events designed to engage government leaders, the business community, and Uganda’s vibrant youth:
Athlete Spotlight Series: A weekly digital feature showcasing the journeys of Ugandan athletes, including members of the She Cranes and the Uganda Paralympic Committee (UPC), highlighting their preparation for Glasgow.
Commonwealth Games Sports Day: On June 4, 2026, the BHC will host a participatory sports day to promote Commonwealth values of inclusion and celebration.
King’s Birthday Party (KBP) Send-off: On June 10, 2026, with a high-profile send-off event for the Ugandan delegation during the King’s Birthday Party celebrations.
About the British High Commission (BHC) Kampala
The British High Commission in Kampala represents the UK government in Uganda. It works to develop and maintain the bilateral relationship between the UK and Uganda, covering a wide range of issues including trade, investment, development, and security.
