Donald Rukare re-elected as UOC president

The Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) is set to ensure that its 33 member federations comply with the new 2023 sports law following its elective assembly held at the Sheraton Hotel on Saturday.

Several associations and federations affiliated with the Olympic family, such as those for rowing and squash, are still grappling with how to meet the law’s requirements. These include ensuring national coverage of at least 50 to 75 percent through their activities, despite limited government funding.

Addressing these challenges, alongside building a permanent home for the UOC, will be key tasks for the newly elected executive, led by Donald Rukare, who was re-elected unopposed for another four-year term.

UOC president Donald Rukare (4th left) addresses delegates flanked by his executive committee members during the UOC elective assembly. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Rukare was returned unopposed as president, alongside second vice president Moses Mwase, secretary general Beatrice Ayikoru, and treasurer Sadik Nasiwu. This left other positions open for competition, including first vice president, assistant general secretary, and executive committee members.

In the elections, Uganda Rugby Union’s Godwin Arinaitwe Kayangwe was overwhelmingly elected as first vice president, securing 23 votes against incumbent Dunstan Nsubuga’s 9 votes. Domenic Otucet, president of Uganda Athletics, also contested for the position but received only three votes.

Lydia Gloria Dhamuzungu was re-elected as assistant general secretary after defeating Badminton’s Annet Nakamya with 22 votes to 13. Meanwhile, Uganda Table Tennis Association’s Robert Jaggwe, Gymnastics Association of Uganda’s Harriet Ayaa, Uganda Archery Association’s Richard McBond Asiimwe, and Uganda Shooting Sports Federation’s Anne Mungoma were elected as executive committee members. Jaggwe received 21 votes, while Asiimwe garnered 18, ahead of Nasser Sserunjogi and Ganzi Mugula, who received 15 and 11 votes, respectively. The elections saw participation from 35 eligible voters.

In his acceptance speech, Rukare pledged that the new team would serve diligently and thanked the electorate for their trust. “We congratulate the entire new team elected to serve for the next four years. Together, we will address the priorities outlined in our strategic plan, including compliance with the new sports law and securing a permanent home for the UOC. We are grateful for a peaceful election and look forward to working with the newly elected team,” he stated.

UTTA Robert Jaggwe votes during the UOC elections at Sheraton Hotel, March 22, 2025. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Rukare’s manifesto highlights key priorities, such as athlete development programs focusing on physical, mental, and financial well-being, creating pathways for young athletes to access training and competition opportunities, and supporting Uganda’s sports ambassadors on the international stage. Additionally, he emphasized skill development for coaches and administrators, excellence in governance, and forging strategic partnerships to drive social and economic growth.

During the assembly, the Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) was admitted as a new member, while treasurer Sadik Nasiwu unveiled a Shs 3 billion budget for the year. Key allocations include Shs 173 million for assistance to national federations, Shs 73 million for athlete support grants, Shs 138 million for Commonwealth Games activities, Shs 210 million for capacity-building programs, and Shs 182 million for international games, among other expenses.

Sarah Chelangat, Assistant General Secretary of the National Council of Sports and an observer at the elections, urged federations to embrace the new sports law, which aims to streamline the sports sector. She also encouraged them to expand their activities to various regions across the country.

UOC/CGAU EXCOM for the next four years

President: Donald Rukare

First vice president: Godwin Kayangwe

Second vice president: Moses Mwase

Secretary General: Beatrice Ayikoru

Treasurer: Sadik Nasiwu

Assistant Secretary General: Lydia Dhamuzungu

Executive committee board members

Anne Mungoma

Harriet Aya

Robert Jaggwe

McBond Assimwe