Dr. Donald Rukare Appointed Interim President of Commonwealth Sport
According to Commonwealth Sport CEO Katie Sadleir, the organization’s Constitution allows for an Interim President to be appointed by the Executive Board in the event of a mid-term resignation.
In a significant leadership transition, Dr. Donald Rukare, the current President of the Uganda Olympic Committee, has been appointed Interim President of Commonwealth Sport. The announcement follows the resignation of outgoing President Chris Jenkins, whose longstanding service and contributions to the Commonwealth Sport Movement have been widely praised.
Chris Jenkins, who stepped down from his position with immediate effect, expressed pride in his efforts to advance Sport for Development, particularly through the GAPS programme, which supports Para inclusion. He thanked his colleagues and friends in the Commonwealth Games Association for their unwavering support during his tenure.
According to Commonwealth Sport CEO Katie Sadleir, the organization’s Constitution allows for an Interim President to be appointed by the Executive Board in the event of a mid-term resignation. A new President will be officially elected by the membership during the next General Assembly scheduled for November 2025.
In the interim, Dr. Donald Rukare has been entrusted with leading the organization. Speaking on his appointment, Sadleir noted, “We look forward to working with Donald in this role as we continue driving the organization’s event operations and wider movement forward.”
Dr. Rukare, an esteemed sports administrator and legal expert, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the role. In his acceptance statement, he said, “I am ready to step into this role and thank the Board for their confidence in me. We have come through a particularly challenging period in our Games history, and we are now building momentum towards an outstanding Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2026.”
As Interim President, Dr. Rukare will play a critical role in guiding the Commonwealth Sport Movement through a transformative phase marked by increased inclusivity, strategic growth, and preparations for the 2026 Games. His appointment has been welcomed across the sporting world as a positive step towards continuity and progressive leadership.
Katie Sadleir concluded by saying,“We look forward to welcoming a new President in November to lead us through our upcoming period of growth and continued transformation.”
Dr. Rukare’s appointment not only shines a spotlight on Uganda's rising influence in global sport governance but also serves as an inspiration for African representation at the highest levels of international sport administration.
