Dr Donald Rukare, a seasoned sports administrator and human rights lawyer, has made history as the first Ugandan and African elected President of Commonwealth Sport at its General Assembly in Glasgow, Scotland.
His election comes at a crucial time for the Movement, with excitement building ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Games and Amdavad, India, confirmed as the host of the landmark Centenary Games in 2030.
Commonwealth Sport, formerly the Commonwealth Games Federation, oversees the organisation of the Commonwealth Games and Youth Games and governs all Commonwealth Games Associations (CGA) across 74 member nations and territories.
Rukare brings over 30 years of experience in sports, law, diplomacy, and development. He has served as a World Aquatics Bureau Member, Vice President of Africa Aquatics, Vice President and Interim President of Commonwealth Sport, and President of Commonwealth Games Uganda.
In his manifesto, Rukare pledged to place athletes at the heart of Commonwealth Sport while advancing the ‘Games Reset’ initiative, aimed at enabling a wide range of nations to host the Games sustainably.
His priorities include strengthening support for member CGAs, expanding flagship programmes like GAPS, which promotes inclusive sporting pathways, and eqUIP, which develops youth leadership across the Commonwealth. He also emphasised fostering strategic partnerships and engaging new global audiences.
“I am deeply honoured by the trust placed in me by our Commonwealth Sport family,” Rukare said. “Together, we will build on the momentum of Glasgow 2026, showcase the next generation of stars at the Malta 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games, and prepare for an inspiring Centenary Games in India in 2030. Our athletes deserve every opportunity to shine, and I am committed to ensuring that Commonwealth Sport remains athlete-centred and a force for unity, excellence, and impact across all our regions.”
Katie Sadleir, CEO of Commonwealth Sport, added: “Donald’s bold and collaborative leadership comes at a crucial time as we embrace transformation and prepare for milestone Games. His commitment to sustainable development and uniting our diverse family aligns perfectly with the vision of our ‘Commonwealth United’ Strategic Plan.”
Who is Donald Rukare?
Born on 4 November 1968 at Mulago Hospital, Rukare grew up in Makerere and displayed a passion for sports from an early age. He excelled in basketball and squash but focused on swimming, beginning competitive participation at age seven.
Between 1982 and 1992, he set numerous national records in freestyle and high-distance events, cementing his status as one of Uganda’s top swimmers.
Rukare became President of the Uganda Swimming Federation in 2005, inheriting a struggling federation with only two active clubs and limited resources.
Under his leadership, swimming expanded nationwide to 30 clubs and 40 schools, producing over 1,000 active swimmers. He professionalised coaching, developed a full annual competition calendar, and ensured regular Ugandan participation in Africa Games, Commonwealth Games, Olympics, and FINA events.
Notable achievements include a record haul at the CANA Zone 3 Championships in Nairobi in 2019, historic medals at the CANA Junior Championships in Tunisia, and participation in FINA World Championships in South Korea and Hungary.
Rukare also introduced Uganda’s first water polo league, masters competitions, and open water events.
Beyond Uganda, Rukare serves as Secretary General of the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC), Vice President of the African Swimming Federation (CANA), and FINA Bureau member, among other international sports leadership roles.
He is also an arbitrator at the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), a member of the Commonwealth Games Federation Ethics Commission, and a consultant and lecturer for the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Rukare holds a Doctor of Law (LLD) from the University of Pretoria, a Master of Law (LLM) from Lund University, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Makerere University, and a Master’s in Sports Law from ISDE Madrid. He also earned an Executive Master in Sports Management from the University of Louvain with distinction and has completed leadership courses at Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School.
