Sports 7 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
British High Commissioner Rallies Support for Ugandan Athletes Ahead of Commonwealth Games
The British High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Lisa Chesney, has launched a campaign to support Uganda's contingent participating in the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. The initiative aims to highlight the athletes' journeys and underscore the significance of this moment for Ugandan sports. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/other-sport/british-high-commission-gear-up-for-commonwealth-games--5450372
The British High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Lisa Chesney, is actively supporting Uganda’s preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. To mark this occasion, the British High Commission has initiated a “Commonwealth Sport Campaign”.
During the campaign launch, H.E. Chesney expressed her commitment to engaging directly with Ugandan athletes and para-athletes, including visits to their training sessions. She emphasized that the campaign’s focus is on fostering connections and celebrating the everyday efforts that underpin sports.
Uganda has a long history with the Commonwealth Games, dating back to 1954, and has secured 58 medals primarily in athletics and boxing. This year, the nation is sending a contingent of 53 athletes, with 35 women and five para-athletes already confirmed. Hopes remain high for additional athletes to qualify in weightlifting.
A significant highlight for Uganda is Dr. Donald Rukare’s election as President of Commonwealth Sport in November 2025, marking the first time an individual from the African region has held this esteemed position. H.E. Chesney pointed to athletes like Husnah Kukundakwe, Denis Mbaziira, Jacob Kiplimo, and Victor Kiplangat as inspirations, showcasing Uganda’s growing prowess and the importance of this particular Games.
Glasgow 2026 is set to be the most inclusive Commonwealth Games to date, with para-sports fully integrated. Notably, the first medal of the Games will be awarded in para powerlifting, an event Ugandan para-powerlifter Denis Mbaziira, a polio survivor, will compete in.
The campaign will feature digital storytelling, athlete spotlights, a Commonwealth Games Sports Day on June 4, and a send-off event for the team on June 10. Dr. Rukare, also serving as president of the Commonwealth Games Association of Uganda, remarked on the unifying and progressive power of sports within society.