The British High Commission in Kampala has launched a Commonwealth Sport campaign celebrating shared values, Ugandan athletic excellence, and a historic moment for African leadership in global sport.
The campaign highlights the shared values of the 74 Commonwealth nations and territories as they prepare to compete in Scotland from July 23 to August 2, 2026. Around 3,000 athletes are expected to take part in the Games, with Uganda sending more than 50 athletes across nine sports. The team includes 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, British High Commissioner to Uganda
Uganda at the heart of the Commonwealth
Uganda has been part of the Commonwealth Games since 1954 and has competed at every edition except one. Over the decades, Ugandan athletes have won 58 medals, with a strong legacy in athletics and boxing, particularly long-distance running.
Uganda has won the men’s 10,000 metres at five consecutive Commonwealth Games. At Birmingham 2022, Jacob Kiplimo won gold in both the 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres, while Victor Kiplangat secured Uganda’s first-ever Commonwealth marathon gold.
That legacy now aligns with a historic moment in sports governance. Dr Donald Rukare, a Ugandan lawyer and sports administrator with over three decades of experience, was elected President of Commonwealth Sport in November 2025, becoming the first African to lead the organisation.
“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… sports foster peace, empower athletes especially women and girls, and drive national pride.”
— Dr Donald Rukare
Glasgow 2026: the most inclusive Games in history
Glasgow 2026 will be the most inclusive Commonwealth Games ever held. Para-sport, fully integrated since Manchester 2002, will continue its expansion with 47 para-sport gold medals across six sports, the largest para programme in Commonwealth Games history.
For the first time, the opening medal of the Games will be awarded in para powerlifting.
Uganda’s para-athletes will play a central role in this milestone. Husnah Kukundakwe, who became Uganda’s first para swimmer at a Commonwealth Games and competed at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics at just 14, represents a new generation of athletes redefining limits. Denis Mbaziira, Uganda’s first parapowerlifter at the Paralympics and a polio survivor, also stands as a symbol of resilience and determination.
What the campaign looks like in practice
The campaign will feature a mix of digital storytelling and in-person engagement designed to connect government, business, and youth audiences.
• Athlete Spotlight Series: Weekly digital features showcasing Ugandan athletes, including the She Cranes and Uganda Paralympic Committee members as they prepare for Glasgow.
• Commonwealth Games Sports Day: On June 4, 2026, the British High Commission will host a participatory sports event promoting inclusion and shared Commonwealth values.
• King’s Birthday Party Send-off: On June 10, 2026, a high-level event will formally send off Uganda’s delegation to the Games.
