Uganda Olympic Committee president Dr Donald Rukare has been appointed interim head of Commonwealth Sport following the resignation of Chris Jenkins.
Rukare, who also serves as a member of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) executive board, steps into the role during a transitional period for the organisation as it builds towards the 2026 Games in Glasgow.
“I am ready to step into this role and thank the Board for their confidence in me,” said Rukare. “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.”
Jenkins, who had been at the helm since 2023, stepped down mid-term citing personal reasons. He is recognised for his long-standing contribution to the Commonwealth movement, particularly in championing inclusion and development through sport.
“I am particularly proud of the opportunities I have been given to advance Sport for Development – and especially Para inclusion through our GAPS programme,” Jenkins said in a statement. “I want to thank all my Commonwealth Games Association colleagues and friends for their support.”
Under CGF rules, a mid-term resignation allows the executive board to appoint an interim president, with a full election to follow at the next General Assembly in November 2025.
Commonwealth Sport chief executive Katie Sadleir confirmed the appointment and welcomed Rukare’s leadership during the transition.
“The Board appointed Dr Donald Rukare as interim president until the General Assembly,” she said. “We look forward to working with Donald in this role as we continue driving the organisation’s event operations and wider movement forward.”
She added: “We also look ahead to welcoming a new president in November to lead us through our upcoming period of growth and continued transformation.”
