The British High Commission in Kampala has launched a Commonwealth Sport campaign aimed at celebrating shared values, Uganda’s sporting excellence, and a historic milestone in African leadership within global sport ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The campaign underscores unity and cooperation among the 74 Commonwealth nations and territories as preparations continue for the Games, scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 2, 2026, in Glasgow, Scotland. About 3,000 athletes are expected to compete across multiple sporting disciplines.
Uganda is set to send more than 50 athletes competing in nine disciplines, including athletics, boxing, para-sports, and netball. The delegation will feature elite distance runners, para-athletes, boxers, and the She Cranes netball team, currently ranked sixth in the world.
The British High Commissioner to Uganda said the campaign was deliberately launched through dialogue rather than ceremony.
“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,” she said.
Uganda has competed in the Commonwealth Games since 1954 and has participated in every edition except one. Over the decades, Ugandan athletes have won 58 medals, mainly in athletics and boxing, with long-distance running remaining a dominant discipline.
The country has won the men’s 10,000 metres title at five consecutive Commonwealth Games. At the Birmingham 2022 Games, Jacob Kiplimo claimed gold in both the 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres, while Victor Kiplangat secured Uganda’s first-ever Commonwealth marathon gold medal.
The campaign also comes at a moment of significant international recognition for Uganda in sports governance, following the election of Dr Donald Rukare as President of Commonwealth Sport in November 2025, making him the first African to lead the organisation.
“This campaign is really about the athletes. Husnah Kukundakwe, who stepped onto the world stage at just 14 and became Uganda’s first para swimmer at a Commonwealth Games; Denis Mbaziira, Uganda’s first para powerlifter; 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,” she said.
Dr Donald Rukare emphasized the broader role of sport in society, highlighting its impact beyond competition.
“Sports in our society are more than competition; they are a powerful force for unity, health, and progress. They build character, bridge divides, and inspire young people to dream big,” he said.
He also highlighted sport’s role in community development and empowerment.
“In Uganda, where cycling paths wind through vibrant communities and sports fields host athletes’ dreams, sports foster peace, empower athletes — especially women and girls — and drive national pride,” he added.
Glasgow 2026 is expected to be the most inclusive Commonwealth Games to date, with para-sport fully integrated since Manchester 2002. The upcoming edition will feature 47 para-sport gold medal events across six sports, the largest integrated para-sport programme in the Games’ history.
For the first time, the opening medal of the Games will be awarded in a para-sport event — Para Powerlifting.
Uganda’s para-athletes are expected to play a key role in this milestone edition. Husnah Kukundakwe made history as the youngest athlete to compete at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games at just 14 years old and later became Uganda’s first para swimmer at a Commonwealth Games.
Denis Mbaziira, a polio survivor, also became the first Ugandan to represent the country in Paralympic powerlifting.
Both athletes are seen as symbols of resilience, inclusion, and determination within Ugandan sport.
Campaign activities
The campaign will feature digital storytelling and engagement initiatives targeting government leaders, the private sector, and young people across Uganda.
A weekly Athlete Spotlight Series will highlight the journeys and preparations of Ugandan athletes, including members of the She Cranes and the Uganda Paralympic Committee, ahead of Glasgow 2026.
The British High Commission will also host a Commonwealth Games Sports Day on June 4, 2026, to promote inclusion, unity, and celebration through sport.
The campaign will conclude with a send-off ceremony for Uganda’s Commonwealth Games delegation during the King’s Birthday Party celebrations on June 10, 2026.
