Rukare calls for diversification as Uganda reflects on Glasgow 2026

Donald Rukare, president of Commonwealth Sport and the Commonwealth Games Uganda (CGU), believes Uganda needs to diversify in order to create more opportunities for medals in future Commonwealth Games outings.

Uganda expanded its competitive reach beyond its usual strengths in athletics and boxing, winning silver in para-swimming and 3x3 basketball on top of Peruth Chemutai's bronze in the 3000m steeplechase.

Speaking to the media alongside the chef de mission, Godwin Kayangwe, at the CGU offices on Friday, Rukare, who officiated his first Commonwealth Games in Glasgow as president, said federations and associations must strategise, identify talent, and create pathways for their athletes if Uganda is to perform even better in future engagements.

He noted that the level of conditioning and nutrition must also be improved, as well as creating professional career pathways and foundations for most of the athletes, if Uganda is to match countries like Australia, say in netball.

"So, we have to sit, all of us, CGA, Uganda, the federations, the government, and the coaches, and have a plan," Rukare said.

"We had five semi-finals in swimming and one final. Our relay team actually made it to the final of their relay event. This is something we should be celebrating. We should be aiming for podium finishes next. For the 3x3 basketball, beating New Zealand was a significant achievement. So, the strategy we need to adopt is not to rely on just one sport."

"Genetically, we've had the competitive advantage when it comes to long distance, but what have we done to improve it? Because when you see India, Australia, and Rwanda starting to compete, you then know we have to step up."

He said it was a real honour to lead the games for the first time.

"It felt very humbling and was a good experience to manage those games from that viewpoint. There's a lot we learned that we hope to apply elsewhere. The behind-the-scenes work for these games is huge, with 5,000 volunteers and 3,000 people on the organising committee, so it's a complex operation. But being in that role was definitely an honour and a valuable experience. I was also pleased that our team performed well. Personally, I felt humbled and excited, and it was an interesting experience," Rukare stated.

Commenting about the boxers who disappeared, Rukare said their return tickets were scheduled for two days prior, but they did not appear on the day they were expected back. He said the team received official communication stating that they had gone to visit people and intended to return.

"After waiting for them and their failure to show up on the departure day, our response policy was initiated, although they currently have valid visas that expire in October."

The chef de mission and the team notified authorities at three levels: Uganda, including the High Commissioner and Minister; the local organising team, specifically our manager Stephen; and local authorities in Glasgow, along with the Games personnel. The team was also informed. We hope for their safe return.

Rukare said the Commonwealth Games Uganda is disappointed, as this situation reflects poorly on the country and could negatively impact future visa applications for other team members.

Kayangwe said Glasgow 2026 was a success with the three medals, which placed Uganda 27th out of 74 countries.

"It was a historic moment, really, seeing medals from basketball and para-swimming, which we as Ugandans should celebrate as proof that we're broadening our competitive base," Kayangwe said.

"It's also significant that our female athletes are stepping up and winning medals. In fact, for this event, the medals came solely from the ladies, and while they outnumbered the men, that's not the reason. They performed exceptionally, which was another historic achievement."

He noted that team sports also put on a good showing.

"The netball team, for instance, secured wins against Wales and Trinidad and Tobago, and remained competitive even against tougher opponents. The netball team really put on a great show of determination. Even teams that have historically performed better than us can't underestimate the Ugandan team anymore; when they play us, they know it's going to be a tough match."

"So, overall, despite the usual challenges of competing in a different country, like adjusting to the climate and culture, we managed to stick together, stay disciplined, and achieve what we set out to do. Ultimately, we know that as Uganda, we need to work harder and perhaps re-evaluate our strategies to identify areas for improvement," Kayangwe stated.

Rukare said, unlike in the past when they would just split slots to federations, they now have a team selection policy that they recently approved. He said there are three ways to qualify for the Commonwealth Games: the open slots, meaning you have the freedom to decide; qualification, like how basketball and netball had to qualify; and the universality window. But even with that, the federations have to justify their selection in the open allocation and determine whether they are taking athletes for development or competition.