As the national delegation prepares to represent Uganda at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games from 23 July to 2 August, the British High Commission’s “More in Common” campaign enters its final and most powerful chapter, taking its message of friendship, resilience, and shared values from Uganda to the Commonwealth stage.
Uganda will compete across ten sports: Para Swimming, Para Powerlifting, Athletics, Basketball 3×3, Boxing, Judo, Netball, Swimming, Track Cycling, and Weightlifting. The athlete delegation includes five para-athletes, making this the most inclusive Team Uganda in Commonwealth Games history.
The timing could not be more significant. For the first time in Commonwealth Games history, the very first medal of the entire Games will be awarded in a para-sport event, Para Powerlifting. That is the opening statement of Glasgow 2026.
At a celebratory send-off reception held at the High Commissioner’s residence, key leaders and athletes spoke passionately about the journey to Glasgow:
The Deputy British High Commissioner to Uganda, Tiffany Kirlew, celebrated the deep ties and dedication of the Ugandan team:
We are very proud to be sending Team Uganda, a delegation of more than 50 athletes to Glasgow for what will be an extraordinary moment in Commonwealth sporting history. Through our ‘More in Common’ campaign, our team had the privilege of stepping into the athletes’ world whether lifting weights, training in the pool, or stepping into the boxing ring. Seeing their dedication, long hours of training, and the immense sacrifices made by their families and coaches has been truly inspiring.
Uganda’s commitment to these games stretches back seven decades to 1954.
This year, they travel with their most inclusive team yet. As the Prime Minister noted, Ugandan athletes are not just participants they are fierce competitors, and the UK is proud to stand beside Team Uganda as a partner and a friend.
Representing the athletes, history-making para-swimmer Husnah Kukundakwe shared the team’s high spirits and the unique power of the Commonwealth Games:
“On behalf of all the athletes, we are incredibly excited. Many of us have worked for years for this moment. We are not just going to participate; we are going to compete and make our country proud.
The Commonwealth Games is uniquely powerful because it combines para-sports and Olympic sports in a single, inclusive environment.
It promotes a shared athlete community where limitations are overcome by opportunity and belief. We are deeply grateful to the British High Commission, the Ugandan government, and the Commonwealth Games Association of Uganda for their tireless work behind the scenes to ensure we are supported and ready.
Ambrose Tashobya, the Chairman of the National Council of Sports (NCS), speaking on behalf of the government, pledged full state support and urged the athletes to focus on personal excellence:
“The government is fully committed to facilitating our athletes to ensure they are well taken care of. However, my primary ask of our players is not just to bring home medals, but to simply do their absolute best. When you give your best on the stage, there are no regrets. We also owe a massive debt of gratitude to the parents, coaches, teachers, and especially the mothers who have quietly supported these athletes in the daily grind of their journeys.”
Moses Mwase, Vice President of the Commonwealth Games Association of Uganda, added:
“As we gear up, let us carry these values forward: inclusion for all, excellence without limits, and unity in diversity. Uganda stands ready, stronger, more inclusive, and unstoppable.”
Uganda’s Commonwealth Games story stretches back to 1954, before the country formally joined the Commonwealth in 1962. Across more than seven decades of participation, Ugandan athletes have accumulated 92 medals (21 gold, 27 silver, and 44 bronze), building one of the longest and most distinguished Commonwealth Games records on the African continent.
Olympic champion Joshua Cheptegei, whose Commonwealth journey helped launch his remarkable international career, expressed confidence in the team heading to Glasgow:
“My expectations are really high because I have a lot of belief in the young boys and girls who are going to represent the country. I know there are many incredible athletes who have been inspired by the achievements I have attained on the track, especially the world records and winning Olympic gold. It would not surprise me to see athletes who have been inspired go on to break those records in the future.”
Para-powerlifter Denis Mbaziira, who improved his personal best lift from 162kg at Birmingham 2022 to 186kg at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, will compete in the historic opening medal event. He remains highly confident:
“It will be a celebration, because I believe we will come back with medals and there will be happiness everywhere.”
Also representing the country are national boxer Emily Nakalema, the She Bombers captain and Africa Zone 3 gold medalist, alongside the She Cranes, whose international consistency has made them one of Africa’s most successful netball teams and a source of immense national pride.
The “More in Common” campaign has celebrated the journeys of these athletes across May, June, and July 2026, building toward this historic moment of unity, inclusion, and elite competition.
