Where are the Ugandan boxers? Four are latest athletes to vanish after UK sports events

Four Ugandan boxers have gone missing after competing in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Ibrahim Kemis, Emily Nakalema, Angel Katushabe, and captain Nuhu Batte did not return to Uganda with the rest of the team. One athlete reportedly stated an intention to claim asylum in the UK, citing better training facilities. The Ugandan team manager expressed surprise, stating he had no idea about any grounds for an asylum claim. A Pakistani boxer also failed to return. This is not the first instance of athletes disappearing after UK sporting events, with hundreds having done so previously. Police Scotland and the Home Office are assessing the situation.

Police Scotland has confirmed they are investigating reports of several unaccounted-for athletes following the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Two members of the six-person Ugandan boxing team have returned home, while the team captain and three other boxers remain missing. The president of the Uganda Boxing Federation stated it is too early to confirm disappearance, as the athletes' UK visas are still valid and some were scheduled to return later in the week or weekend. The Games' chief executive confirmed close collaboration with authorities to ensure athletes adhere to regulations regarding arrival and departure.

Police Scotland is investigating reports of several foreign athletes who did not return home after the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony in Glasgow. Media reports identify these athletes as boxers from Uganda and Pakistan. Uganda's NBS Sport reported that four members of its six-person boxing team are unaccounted for, with one indicating plans to seek asylum. Pakistan Today also reported one of its boxers failed to board a flight home. This situation follows a pattern of missing athletes seeking asylum after recent Commonwealth Games hosted in Britain or Australia. Enquiries are ongoing, with engagement taking place with the Home Office.