Dr. Donald Rukare, AIGP Fred Enanga Represent Uganda at IOC–INTERPOL Sports Integrity Workshop

Harare, Zimbabwe – Uganda has joined other nations in a global effort to safeguard the integrity of sport following the official launch of a joint workshop by the International Olympic Committee and INTERPOL in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The high-level workshop brings together representatives from law enforcement agencies, National Olympic Committees, sports administrators, and integrity experts from across the world to strengthen cooperation in combating the manipulation of sports competitions, illegal betting, match-fixing, and other forms of corruption that threaten the credibility of sport.

Uganda is represented at the conference by Dr. Donald Rukare, President of the Uganda Olympic Committee/Commonwealth Games Uganda; Fred Enanga, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) and Deputy Director of INTERPOL and International Relations at the Uganda Police Force; and Mr. Karuhanga of the Uganda Police Force. The workshop underscores the growing recognition that protecting the integrity of sport requires close collaboration between sports governing bodies and law enforcement agencies. As betting markets expand globally and criminal networks increasingly target sporting events, governments and sports organizations are intensifying efforts to prevent manipulation before it occurs.

During the engagements, participants are sharing experiences, best practices, and intelligence on how to detect, investigate, and prosecute cases involving competition manipulation. Discussions are also focusing on strengthening legal frameworks, improving reporting mechanisms, enhancing athlete awareness, and promoting coordinated responses among national and international institutions.

For Uganda, participation in the workshop reflects the country's commitment to upholding the principles of fair play, transparency, and accountability in sport. The presence of both senior sports leadership and law enforcement officials highlights a unified national approach to protecting athletes, competitions, and sporting institutions from corruption.

As President of the Uganda Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games Uganda, Dr. Donald Rukare's participation reinforces the country's dedication to promoting ethical sports governance and ensuring that Ugandan athletes compete in environments guided by integrity and respect for the rules.

Similarly, AIGP Fred Enanga's involvement brings valuable law enforcement expertise to the discussions, particularly in areas concerning criminal investigations, international police cooperation, intelligence sharing, and cross-border enforcement against organized crime linked to sports manipulation.

The joint IOC–INTERPOL initiative aims to build stronger partnerships between sports organizations and security agencies, recognizing that effective prevention of competition manipulation depends on timely information sharing, coordinated investigations, and continuous education of athletes, officials, referees, and sports administrators.

Competition manipulation, including match-fixing and illegal betting activities, has emerged as one of the greatest threats facing international sport. Such practices undermine public confidence, damage the reputation of competitions, disadvantage honest athletes, and can generate significant financial gains for criminal organizations.

The Harare workshop therefore serves as an important platform for reinforcing international cooperation and equipping participating countries with practical strategies to safeguard the integrity of sport.

Uganda's participation demonstrates its continued commitment to global efforts aimed at ensuring that sport remains clean, fair, transparent, and free from corruption.

As the conference continues, delegates are expected to strengthen networks that will enhance future collaboration in protecting athletes and preserving the values of fair competition that underpin the Olympic Movement and international sport.