British envoy backs Team Uganda ahead of 2026 Commonwealth Games

Uganda’s preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games received a major boost on Tuesday after the British High Commissioner to Uganda, Lisa Chesney, pledged full support to Team Uganda ahead of the global showpiece in Glasgow, Scotland.

Speaking during the official launch of Uganda’s Commonwealth Games campaign at the British Commissioner’s residence in Kampala, Chesney expressed excitement over Uganda’s remarkable 70-year participation in the Games and vowed to closely engage with athletes as the country prepares for the competition slated for July 23 to August 2.

“Over the coming weeks, I am going to be meeting Ugandan athletes and para-athletes. I will be joining training sessions, spending time with the She Cranes, which I am very excited about, and learning what it takes to be an elite athlete with such dedication and perseverance,” Chesney said.

The launch event attracted several sports stakeholders, including Donald Rukare, presidents of various sports federations, officials from the National Council of Sports (NCS), members of the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC), and athletes.

Chesney also highlighted Glasgow 2026 as set to be the most inclusive edition of the Commonwealth Games since para-sport was first fully integrated at the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

“Glasgow 2026 will feature 47 para-sport gold medals across six sports, the largest integrated para programme in Commonwealth Games history,” she noted.

She praised Uganda’s para-athletes, including swimmer Husnah Kukundakwe, who became the youngest athlete to compete at the 2020 Summer Paralympics at just 14, and powerlifter Denis Mbaziira, the first Ugandan to compete in Paralympic powerlifting.

Donald Rukare with Chesney at the launch

Meanwhile, Rukare said Uganda is well prepared for the Games, revealing that the country will send a 53-member contingent comprising 35 females, 18 males, and five para-athletes to compete in 10 disciplines, including athletics, boxing, netball, swimming, cycling, and weightlifting.

“As we prepare to return to Glasgow after 12 years, our preparations are in high gear, and we are confident Uganda will put up a strong performance,” Rukare said.