Four Ugandan Boxers Missing After Commonwealth Games

Four Ugandan boxers have gone missing after competing at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with reports suggesting they plan to seek asylum in Scotland.

Police Scotland confirmed it received reports of several athletes unaccounted for following the Games, which wrapped up Sunday. The missing Ugandan squad members are Nuhu Batte, Angel Katushabe, Ibrahim Kemis, and Emily Nakalema, according to BBC Sport. Pakistani boxer Qudrat Ullah also vanished from his accommodation before his team's scheduled departure.

Why the Boxers Stayed Behind

NBS Sport spoke with one of the missing Ugandans, who said the group intends to claim asylum and continue their boxing careers in a country with superior training facilities. "The boxer was said to have appealed to Ugandans for understanding and asked not to be judged for the decision," the outlet reported. Team Uganda officials declined to comment.

Athletes disappearing after major sporting events is not new to Glasgow. Following the city's 2014 Commonwealth Games, dozens went missing, including two Ugandan rugby players later found in Cardiff. Cameroonian weightlifter Cyrille Tchatchet II also vanished from that edition to escape his home country, returning this year to claim silver.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said inquiries are ongoing with the Home Office to assess the circumstances. Glasgow 2026 spokeswoman Sophie Ashcroft said organisers are working with Border Force and UK Visas and Immigration to ensure a secure conclusion to the event. Any asylum applications will be judged on individual merits against available evidence.

Source: bbc.co.uk