Ugandan Appointed to Lead Commonwealth Sport After President Resigns

Uganda Olympic Committee President Dr. Donald Rukare has been picked as interim head of the Commonwealth Sport. Commonwealth Sport is the brand name of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF)

April 14, 2025 – Commonwealth Sport has today confirmed the resignation of President Chris Jenkins, marking the end of a significant era of leadership and contribution to the global sporting movement.

Jenkins, known for his dedication to Sport for Development and Para inclusion, especially through the GAPS programme, expressed gratitude to his colleagues and Commonwealth Games Associations for their ongoing support.

“I am particularly proud of the opportunities I have been given to advance Sport for Development – and especially Para inclusion through our GAPS programme – and want to thank all my Commonwealth Games Association colleagues and friends for their support,” Jenkins stated.

With his mid-term departure, the organisation’s Constitution allows the Executive Board to appoint an interim President. Commonwealth Sport CEO Katie Sadleir announced that Dr. Donald Rukare has been named Interim President until the next General Assembly scheduled for November 2025, when a new President will be officially elected.

“We look forward to working with Donald in this role as we continue driving the organisation’s event operations and wider movement forward,” said Sadleir.

Reacting to his appointment, Dr. Rukare 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.”

Sadleir concluded by noting that the organisation is focused on a phase of growth and transformation, and looks forward to welcoming a newly elected President at the upcoming assembly.