British High Commission bids farewell to Team Uganda ahead of 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow

Team Uganda is heading to Glasgow. As the athletes prepare 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.

The British High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Lisa Chesney MBE, was represented by the Deputy High Commissioner, Tiffany Kirle, as some of the Team Uganda athletes and officials were hosted at her residence in Nakasero, Kampala.

As Glasgow prepares to host the Commonwealth Games, we are proud of Team Uganda’s determination and resilience. This moment reflects the enduring partnership between our countries and the shared values that bring the Commonwealth together. Through the ‘More in Common’ campaign, we celebrate not only sporting excellence but also the strong people-to-people connections, resilience and ambition that unite Uganda and the UK. We wish Team Uganda every success as they compete on the global stage and inspire the next generation.

H.E. Lisa Chesney MBE, British High Commission to Uganda

Moses Mwase, Vice President of the Commonwealth Games Association of Uganda, called on Team Uganda to compete with confidence and pride.

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.

Moses Mwase,Vice President of Commonwealth Games Association of Uganda

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.”

For para-swimmer Husnah Kukundakwe, who made history as the youngest athlete at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games at just 14 years old, Glasgow represents another chance to challenge perceptions.

“My journey has shown me that limitations are often overcome by opportunity and belief. Sport has allowed me to challenge perceptions and prove that everyone deserves the chance to pursue their dreams. That is something we all have in common.”

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 very event that opens the Games’ medal tally.

He is confident about what Team Uganda will bring home.

“It will be a celebration, because I believe we will come back with medals and there will be happiness everywhere.”

National boxer Emily Nakalema, the She Bombers captain and Africa Zone 3 gold medalist in 2025, is among those representing Uganda in Glasgow.

She is optimistic about Team Uganda’s chances.

Also representing Uganda are the She Cranes, whose consistency on the international stage has made them one of Africa’s most successful netball teams and a source of national pride.

Their participation in Glasgow continues a legacy of excellence and reinforces the campaign’s message that teamwork, perseverance and unity are at the heart of sporting success.

The “More in Common” campaign has celebrated the journeys of these athletes and more across May, June and July 2026, through athlete profiling sessions and a sendoff to Glasgow, all building toward this moment.

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