British High Commission launches More in Common campaign in Kampala to promote Ugandan athletes and Commonwealth unity ahead of Glasgow 2026 Games in Scotland

Kampala has stepped into the global sporting spotlight with the launch of the “More in Common” Commonwealth Sport Campaign, a new initiative led by the British High Commission in Uganda.

The campaign is designed to celebrate shared values across the 74 Commonwealth nations while also placing Ugandan athletes firmly in the international conversation ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The launch event brought together diplomats, sports leaders, and athletes, including British High Commissioner H.E. Lisa Chesney MBE and Commonwealth Sport President Dr Donald Rukare, highlighting both international cooperation and Uganda’s growing influence in global sport governance.

A Campaign Built on Unity, Values, and Sporting Identity

At its core, the campaign is about connection—linking countries through sport, culture, and shared principles such as inclusion, respect, and excellence.

It also aims to spotlight Africa’s expanding role in shaping global sporting narratives.

Officials say the initiative will not only promote the upcoming Games in Scotland but also strengthen engagement between governments, athletes, and communities across the Commonwealth.

With around 3,000 athletes expected in Glasgow, the event is being positioned as one of the most inclusive editions in the competition’s history.

Uganda’s Strong Sporting Legacy Takes Centre Stage

Uganda is entering the spotlight with a reputation built over decades of Commonwealth participation dating back to 1954.

Despite missing only one edition since then, the country has developed a consistent presence in athletics and boxing, securing 58 medals overall.

Long-distance running remains Uganda’s signature strength.

Athletes such as Jacob Kiplimo and Victor Kiplangat have helped maintain a powerful tradition, with Uganda dominating the men’s 10,000 metres title for five consecutive Commonwealth Games.

At Birmingham 2022, Uganda delivered standout performances, including Kiplimo’s double gold in the 5,000m and 10,000m events and Kiplangat’s historic marathon victory.

Uganda is also preparing a strong delegation for Glasgow 2026, expected to include more than 50 athletes competing across nine sports, from boxing and athletics to netball through the She Cranes.

Leadership Moment for Africa in Global Sport

One of the most significant developments highlighted by the campaign is the election of Dr Donald Rukare as President of Commonwealth Sport in November 2025.

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His appointment marks the first time an African has led the organisation, which governs the Commonwealth Games movement across 74 nations and territories.

His leadership is being viewed as symbolic of a broader shift toward greater representation in global sports administration, especially from regions that have historically been underrepresented in decision-making roles.

Voices from the Launch Event

Speaking at the campaign launch, H.E. Lisa Chesney MBE emphasized the athletes at the heart of the initiative.

She highlighted stories of Ugandan sporting pioneers, including para-athletes and Olympic champions, as proof of the country’s expanding impact on the world stage.

Dr Donald Rukare echoed the message of unity, describing sport as a force that goes beyond competition.

He pointed to its ability to build character, encourage youth participation, and strengthen national pride while also creating international friendships that extend beyond the Games.

He also noted that Glasgow 2026 will offer athletes not just competition, but cultural exchange and shared experiences with communities in Scotland.

Glasgow 2026 and Its Historic Inclusion Push

The Glasgow Games are expected to set new benchmarks for inclusivity.

Para-sport will once again be fully integrated, continuing a tradition that began in 2002 in Manchester.

This edition will feature 47 para-sport gold medal events across six sports, the largest such programme in Commonwealth Games history.

For the first time ever, a para-sport event—Para Powerlifting—will award the opening medal of the Games.

Ugandan para-athletes such as Husnah Kukundakwe and Denis Mbaziira are expected to play a visible role in this expanded platform, reinforcing the country’s growing reputation in inclusive sport.

Impact and Consequences

The campaign is likely to have several key effects:

• Strengthening Uganda’s international sports profile ahead of Glasgow 2026
• Increasing visibility for para-athletes and women in sport across Africa
• Deepening diplomatic and cultural ties between Uganda and the United Kingdom
• Encouraging youth participation in sport through storytelling and athlete engagement
• Reinforcing Africa’s influence in global sports leadership through Dr Rukare’s presidency

It also positions Uganda not just as a competitor, but as a key voice in shaping how the Commonwealth Games evolve in the future.

What’s Next?

In the coming months, the campaign will roll out a series of activities designed to build momentum toward the Games.

These include athlete spotlight features, community engagement events, and official send-off celebrations for Team Uganda.

Key upcoming moments include a Commonwealth Games Day in June 2026 and a formal farewell event during the King’s Birthday celebrations, both aimed at boosting public excitement and national support.

As Glasgow 2026 approaches, attention will increasingly shift toward final team selections, athlete preparations, and international training camps.

Summary

The “More in Common” campaign launched in Kampala highlights Uganda’s growing sporting influence and its central role in the Commonwealth Games movement.

With strong athlete representation, historic achievements, and new leadership in global sports governance, Uganda is set to play a prominent role in Glasgow 2026.

Bulleted Takeaways

• “More in Common” campaign launched in Kampala ahead of Glasgow 2026
• Led by British High Commission and Commonwealth Sport leadership
• Focus on shared Commonwealth values and athlete storytelling
• Uganda to send 50+ athletes across nine sports
• Strong legacy in athletics, especially long-distance running
• Dr Donald Rukare becomes first African President of Commonwealth Sport
• Glasgow 2026 to feature record para-sport integration
• Campaign includes digital storytelling and public engagement events
• Aim is to boost inclusion, youth participation, and international cooperation