Donald Rukare, President of the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC), has been elected as the new President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) Zone 5.
Rukare secured eight votes, defeating Ethiopian counterpart Gayo Ashebir, who received two votes, during the elections held on the sidelines of the General Assembly in Addis Ababa.
ANOCA Zone 5 comprises 11 East African countries, including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, and Egypt.
The committee aims to promote Olympic ideals and enhance the development of sports within the region.
Its objectives include organizing regional competitions, facilitating athlete development programs, and fostering collaboration among member countries to improve sports infrastructure and governance.
Rukare brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He has served as the Chairperson of Uganda’s National Council of Sports since February 2020 and was elected President of the UOC in February 2021.
His extensive background in sports administration includes previous positions such as President of the Uganda Swimming Federation and Vice President of the African Swimming Federation (CANA).
Rukare has also been an advocate for the High Court of Uganda and a lecturer in sports law.
In his capacity as ANOCA Zone 5 President, Rukare is expected to leverage his experience to further the committee’s mission of advancing sports development and Olympic values across the region.
Other officials elected during the assembly include Alice Umulinga from Rwanda as Vice President and South Sudan’s Tong Chor Malek Deran as Treasurer.
The Executive Board also comprises committee members Bigirimana Salvator from Burundi, Michael Teklemichael from Eritrea, and Mohamed Abdow Haji from Somalia.
