Commonwealth Games shine spotlight on Ivan Kakembo's charity

As the voices of Scottish rock band Simple Minds echoed through Glasgow's closing ceremony with "Don't You (Forget About Me)," the message seemed to linger beyond the celebrations.

This year's Commonwealth Games brought together athletes from 74 nations, including Uganda, whose largest-ever contingent of 55 athletes competed across 10 disciplines.

Away from the sporting arena,  Ugandan Ivan Kakembo's charity, Navigating Sanctuary Life, marked two significant milestones, drawing the attention of Commonwealth Sport President Donald Rukare and demonstrating how the values of sport can strengthen communities beyond competition.

The Scotland-based charity celebrated the continued delivery of its Dignity in Food Provision project while officially launching the Togetherness Builds Wellbeing initiative, programmes that support asylum seekers, refugees and ethnic minority communities across Glasgow.

Reflecting on the occasion, Kakembo said the recognition was a proud moment for everyone behind the charity.

"Having our work recognised during the Commonwealth Games was a proud moment, not only for me personally, but for everyone involved in Navigating Sanctuary Life. We were honoured to welcome Dr Donald Rukare, President of Commonwealth Sport," he said.

For Kakembo, the Games represent far more than sporting excellence.

"The Commonwealth Games represent much more than sport. They bring together nations around shared values of inclusion, respect, equality and community. Those are the same values that guide our work every day," he added.

He hopes the global platform created by the Games will help amplify the charity's mission while attracting new partnerships, volunteers and investment.

"I hope this recognition helps shine a light on the challenges faced by ethnic minority groups in Glasgow, while also highlighting their resilience, talent and potential," he said.

"The visibility that comes with the Commonwealth Games creates opportunities to build new partnerships, attract volunteers and supporters, and encourage more funders to invest in community-led initiatives."

At the heart of Navigating Sanctuary Life is a belief that lasting change begins with human connection.

"Our project is based on a simple principle: consistent shared activities build trust, friendships and long-term wellbeing," Kakembo explained.

"If more communities embrace that approach, the impact will extend far beyond our organisation and contribute to a more inclusive Scotland where everyone feels they belong," he shared with Vision Sports.

Although his work is now based in Scotland, Kakembo says the principles guiding his leadership were shaped in Uganda.

"Community has always been central to our culture. We are taught that success is not measured only by personal achievement but by how many others we help to succeed alongside us."

Growing up, he witnessed how sport could unite communities and create hope where opportunities were limited.

That belief inspired his work in football administration and later the Uganda Youth Soccer Academy, where disadvantaged young people from urban slums have been supported to develop both on and off the pitch.

"Whether we are supporting ethnic minority groups in Glasgow or young people in Uganda, the principle is the same: treat every individual with dignity, listen to their experiences, and create opportunities for them to reach their potential," he said.

Kakembo credits his journey to a commitment to service and continuous learning.

Donald Rukare together with Ivan Kakembo. Courtesy photos

Alongside leading a Scottish charity, he is studying law at the University of Glasgow, while his background in football governance, including being selected among Africa's top football executives for the FIFA Diploma in Football Club Management has strengthened his appreciation of accountability, leadership and strong institutions.

"Purpose is realised through consistent action rather than waiting for the perfect opportunity," he said.

"Like many people seeking a better future, I experienced uncertainty, setbacks and moments when giving up would have been the easier option. Instead, I chose to continue learning, serving and building relationships through voluntary work. Those experiences eventually led me to establish Navigating Sanctuary Life."

His advice to young Ugandans hoping to make an impact abroad:

"Never underestimate the impact of your skills, your character and your willingness to serve others. Success is not only about personal achievement or professional titles. Real success is measured by the lives you improve and the opportunities you create for those who come after you," Kakembo concluded.