Dr. Donald Rukare Retains Uganda Olympic Committee Presidency for a Second Term (2025-2028)
The Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) has reaffirmed its leadership by retaining Dr. Donald Rukare as president for a second term spanning 2025 to 2028. The confirmation took place during the Elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Saturday morning at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, Rwenzori Ballroom.
Dr. Rukare, who also serves as the President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) Zone V, will continue steering the UOC’s vision towards strengthening Uganda's sports landscape. In his victory speech, he emphasized teamwork, unity, and athlete-centered development.
Expressing gratitude to the delegates for their trust, Dr. Rukare reaffirmed his commitment to fostering an inclusive and progressive sporting environment.
“I would like to thank you for entrusting me with a second term in the top seat following successful nominations. As the entire board, we look forward to working with all of you as we take ‘Sports Made in Uganda’ forward. We welcome open dialogue and will keep the doors of UOC open because we value all kinds of ideas. Together, we will move sport forward.”
Dr. Rukare further underscored the need for stakeholders to prioritize the realization of athletes’ dreams, as they remain the core of the Olympic movement.
“We must work towards the actualization of athletes’ dreams because, at the end of the day, we are all here for them. Our collective efforts should be focused on supporting and developing athletes to compete at the highest levels.”
Dr. Donald Rukare was first elected as UOC President on February 27, 2021, taking over from William Blick, who had served since 2012, after replacing Rogers Ddungu. Rukare’s tenure has been marked by efforts to strengthen governance, improve athlete representation, and enhance Uganda’s global sporting presence.
The elective assembly also saw the appointment of a new executive team to support the UOC’s strategic vision for the next four years. Godwin Arinaitwe Kayangwe, a well-known figure in Uganda's rugby administration, was elected 1st Vice President – Administration, replacing Dunstan Nsubuga.
The full UOC Executive Board for 2025-2028 is as follows:
President: Dr. Donald Rukare
1st Vice President (Administration): Godwin Arinaitwe Kayangwe
2nd Vice President: Moses Mwase
Secretary General: Beatrice Ayikoru
Treasurer: Sadik Nasiwu Assistant
Secretary General: Lydia Dhamuzungu
Executive Committee
Board Members:
Anne Mungoma
Harriet Aya
Jaggwe Robert
McBond Assimwe
Under Dr. Rukare’s continued leadership, the Uganda Olympic Committee aims to:
Strengthen governance and transparency in Uganda’s Olympic movement.
Enhance athlete development programs to improve Uganda’s performance at global events such as the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.
Foster inclusivity and stakeholder collaboration in sports administration.
Invest in capacity building for sports federations and grassroots development.
With the new executive team in place, the UOC is poised for a dynamic and transformative era that will further position Uganda as a key player in the international sports arena.
Dr. Donald Rukare’s re-election marks a continuation of his mission to elevate Ugandan sports through integrity, inclusivity, and athlete-driven policies. As the Olympic movement in Uganda gears up for the Paris 2024 Olympics and beyond, his leadership will be crucial in ensuring stronger representation, better infrastructure, and increased funding for sports development.
