In a significant leadership transition within international sport governance, Dr Donald Rukare, the current President of the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC), has been appointed as the Interim President of Commonwealth Sport.
His appointment follows the mid-term resignation of Chris Jenkins whose departure marks the end of a chapter defined by committed service and progressive strides in inclusivity and development.
Chris Jenkins, who has been at the helm of Commonwealth Sport, leaves behind a legacy underscored by his dedication to the advancement of Sport for Development and the championing of Para inclusion through the GAPS programme.
Reflecting on his tenure, Jenkins expressed pride in the opportunities he had to influence meaningful change and extended gratitude to his colleagues across the Commonwealth Games Associations for their unwavering support.
“I am particularly proud of the opportunities I have been given to advance Sport for Development and especially Para inclusion through our GAPS programme,” Jenkins noted, marking his exit with a tone of gratitude and optimism.
With Jenkins’ departure occurring mid-term, the Commonwealth Sport Constitution provided for the Executive Board to appoint an interim leader.
Commonwealth Sport CEO Katie Sadleir confirmed the Board’s unanimous decision to appoint Dr. Donald Rukare to the position, stating, “The Board appointed Dr. Donald Rukare as Interim President until the General Assembly. We look forward to working with Donald in this role as we continue driving the organisation’s event operations and wider movement forward.”
Dr. Rukare, a respected figure in African and international sports circles expressed readiness to take on the challenge. “I am ready to step into this role and thank the Board for their confidence in me. We have come through a particularly challenging period in our Games history and we are now building momentum towards an outstanding Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2026,” he said, acknowledging both the hurdles of the recent past and the promise of the future.
As the Commonwealth Sport movement looks ahead to its General Assembly in November 2025 where a new President will be elected, Sadleir emphasized the importance of continuity and leadership during this transitional period. “We look forward to welcoming a new President in November to lead us through our upcoming period of growth and continued transformation.”
