Commonwealth Sport President Dr. Donald Rukare launched the Commonwealth Forest Initiative in Mabira Forest in Mabira Forest, Buikwe District, Uganda on June 4th, 2026 to Support a Greener Commonwealth Games Legacy and restore the lost forest cover among member states.
All the Commonwealth member states were represented by the respective national flags and 74 indigenous trees are set to be planted in Mabira Forest to represent the 74 nations and territories of the Commonwealth.
The launch marks the beginning of an ambitious long-term environmental legacy programme that seeks to connect all 74 Commonwealth nations and territories through Forest restoration, Climate action, biodiversity conservation, Youth engagement.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, 2026.
“This initiative is timely because it fits in with our objective. We believe we can contribute to greening our sport but also sustaining and improving our environment. We look forward to this project taking off so that we protect, preserve and promote the environment,” noted Rukare.
The 11-day sporting event will feature 3,000 athletes from 74 nations competing in 10 core sports and six para-sports.
Uganda will send 35 female and 18 male athletes, including five para-athletes who will represent the country across ten disciplines.
