Uganda’s celebrated para-swimmer Husnah Kukundakwe has declared that Team Uganda is travelling to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with the ambition of competing for medals rather than merely making up the numbers.
Speaking on behalf of the athletes during Team Uganda’s official send-off at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Kampala, Kukundakwe said the country’s representatives are well prepared and determined to make Uganda proud when the Games run from July 23 to August 2.
“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,” Kukundakwe said.
The Paralympian described the Commonwealth Games as a unique competition that brings together para-athletes and able-bodied athletes on one platform, saying it demonstrates the values of inclusion, equality and opportunity.
“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,” she added.
Uganda will compete in 10 sports at the Glasgow Games: athletics, basketball 3×3, boxing, judo, netball, swimming, para swimming, para powerlifting, track cycling and weightlifting. The delegation includes five para-athletes, making it Uganda’s most inclusive Commonwealth Games team to date.
Deputy British High Commissioner to Uganda Tiffany Kirlew said the United Kingdom was proud to host Team Uganda and praised the athletes for their commitment throughout their preparations. She noted that the British High Commission’s “More in Common” campaign had highlighted the sacrifices and determination shown by the athletes on their journey to Glasgow.
National Council of Sports chairman Ambrose Tashobya, representing the government, reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to supporting the delegation and urged the athletes to give their best performances.
“The government is fully committed to facilitating our athletes to ensure they are well taken care of. My primary ask is not just to bring home medals, but to give your absolute best. When you perform to your fullest potential, there are no regrets,” Tashobya said.
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will also make history by awarding the first medal of the competition in para powerlifting, underlining the event’s commitment to inclusivity. Uganda will be hoping to improve on its previous Commonwealth Games performances when competition gets underway on July 23.
