Uganda’s vastly experienced sports administrator Dr Donald Rukare, 56, is the interim head of the Commonwealth Sport.
This comes after the resignation of president Chris Jenkins.
Dr. Rukare is also is the president of the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) and the Commonwealth Games Association Uganda.
The Commonwealth Sport is the brand name of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).
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.
Dr. Donald Rukare, Interim president of Commonwealth Sport
Welshman Jenkins, who resigned, will be remembered for his longstanding service and contribution to the Commonwealth Sport movement.
I am particularly proud of the opportunities I have been given to advance Sport for Development – and especially Para inclusion through our GAPS programme – and want to thank all my Commonwealth Games Association colleagues and friends for their support.
Chris Jenkins
Jenkins took the role in November 2023 after Australian state Victoria had pulled out of hosting the 2026 Games and Canadian province Alberta had withdrawn its interest for 2030.
In 2024 Glasgow assumed responsibility for the 2026 event.
Commonwealth Sport CEO Katie Sadleir explained that with a mid-term resignation the Constitution allows for an Interim President to be appointed by the Executive Board, and a new President will be elected by the membership at the next General Assembly in November 2025.
“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 organization’s event operations and wider movement forward.” said Sadleir.
Sadleir added: “We look forward to welcoming a new President in November to lead us through our upcoming period of growth and continued transformation.”
Tit bits about Dr. Donald Rukare:
National Engagements:
- President – Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) and Commonwealth Games Association Uganda 2021 to date
- Former chairperson – National Council of sports (NCS)
- Former Secretary General – Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) and Commonwealth Games Association Uganda
- Member – UOC Government Relations Committee
- Member – UOC Legal Commission
- Former Chairperson – UOC Merits and Award Commission
- Former Chairperson – UOC Legal Commission
- Former President – Uganda Swimming Federation
- Former Board Chair – Special Olympics
Regional and Continental Engagements
- President – African National Olympic Committees (ANOCA)
- Vice President – African Swimming Federation (CANA)
- President – CANA Zone III
- Vice Chair – Legal Commission of the Association of African National Olympic Committees (ANOCA)
International Engagements
- Interim president of Commonwealth Sport
- FINA Bureau Member and Official
- Member – FINA Marketing Commission
- Member – FINA High Diving Technical Committee
- Former Member – FINA Masters Committee 2013 – 2014
- Arbitrator – International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)
- Panel Member – Regional Anti-Doping Agency (RADO)
- 1st African MEMOS Lecturer
- International Olympic Committee (IOC) consultant/advisor that has undertaken assignments for the IOC in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Lesotho.
Career as an Athlete
- Former National Swimmer at national, regional and international championships including the FINA Masters Swimming Championships in Montreal 2014.
- National record holder between 1980 – 1992.
- Swimming Team Captain at Makerere University 1989 – 1992.
- Awarded university colors in Swimming, Squash and Basketball during that period.
- Active Masters Swimmer Both Nationally and Internationally.
Career achievements
- CEO and founder of Governance and Public Policy Research Center.
- Chief of Party of the USAID Rights and justice Activity program in Uganda.
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