Experienced sports leader and human rights lawyer Dr Donald Rukare, was on Wednesday 26th November, 2025 unanimously elected President of Commonwealth Sport (CS) at its General Assembly in Glasgow.
The first President from the Africa region, Rukare assumes the role at a pivotal time for the Movement, with excitement building ahead of an action-packed Glasgow 2026 and the landmark Centenary Games in 2030 confirmed to be hosted by Amdavad city in India.
“I am extremely humbled with the election as the head of Commonwealth Sport. I would like to thank all the members for this unanimous vote that has given me confidence. I look forward to working with all the members and the executive to take the Commonwealth Games forward. The work begins now,” Rukare noted after his election.
Rukare brings over three decades of experience across sport, law, diplomacy, and development. He has served as Uganda swimming federation president, National council of sports chairman, World Aquatics Bureau Member and Vice President Africa Aquatics, as well as Vice President of CS, President of Commonwealth Games Uganda, and, most recently, Interim President of CS.
Rukare’s election reflects the confidence of the 74-member nations and territories in his vision for a united, athlete-centred, and strategically progressive CS Movement.
In his manifesto, Rukare pledged to place athletes at the heart of Commonwealth Sport and to advance the ‘Games Reset’, designed to enable a wide range of diverse nations to host the Games sustainably.
His priorities include strengthening support for member CGAs, expanding flagship programmes like GAPS, which promotes inclusive sport pathways and equip, which nurtures youth leaders across the Commonwealth. He also emphasized the importance of fostering strategic partnerships and engaging new fans around the globe.
Katie Sadleir, CEO of Commonwealth Sport hailed Rukare’s bold and collaborative leadership, commitment to sustainable development and the Games values.
