Four boxers from the Ugandan Commonwealth Games team and one boxer from Pakistan have been reported missing in Glasgow following the conclusion of the Commonwealth Games. Police Scotland has initiated inquiries into the whereabouts of several athletes who did not return home with their respective teams.
The missing Ugandan boxers, identified as Ibrahim Kemis (20), Nuhu Batte (22), Emily Nakalema (32), and Angel Katushabe (21), were scheduled to fly back to Uganda on Tuesday. Godwin Kayangwe, Uganda‘s chef de mission, stated he has no information regarding their disappearance but suspects they might still be in Glasgow or elsewhere in Europe. He expressed hope that the athletes would return before their visas expire in October.
Ugandan Team Manager’s Statement
Kayangwe mentioned that the boxers had communicated with their team manager, indicating they would return, but their phones subsequently became unreachable. He clarified that athletes are not permitted to leave without permission, constituting a breach of camp rules. Despite media reports suggesting the athletes might be seeking asylum, Kayangwe stated he has no idea why they would do so, dismissing political, gender, or similar motivations.
One of the missing boxers reportedly told NBS Sports that the group intends to seek asylum to pursue their boxing careers in a country offering improved training facilities and opportunities compared to their homeland. This boxer also appealed to Ugandans for understanding regarding their decision.
The matter has been referred to the Ugandan high commission, which will coordinate with authorities in Scotland. Kayangwe urged the missing athletes to observe the law, ensure their visas do not expire, and return to Uganda, suggesting they could come back to Europe at a later time.
Pakistani Boxer’s Disappearance
In a separate incident, Pakistani boxer Qudratullah was reported missing in Glasgow just hours before his country’s contingent was scheduled to depart for home. Sources within the Pakistan Boxing Federation indicated that Qudratullah was last seen in his hotel room around 2 am. Officials later found his room empty when they checked before the team’s scheduled departure at 9 am.
His passport and return ticket are reportedly still with the team manager, adding to the mystery of his disappearance. This is not the first instance of a Pakistani boxer going missing abroad, with another boxer, Zohaib, reportedly disappearing during a tour of Italy last year.
The Pakistan team concluded the 2026 Commonwealth Games with one medal, a bronze won by Fatima Zahra in the women’s 60kg category. This marked Pakistan‘s lowest medal tally since the 1998 Commonwealth Games.
Ongoing Investigations
Police Scotland confirmed on Tuesday that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the disappearances. They are collaborating with the UK Home Office to address the situation. Glasgow 2026 organisers are also working with relevant authorities, including Border Force and UK Visas & Immigration, as athletes and officials depart the city.
Reports of athletes going missing after the Commonwealth Games are not unprecedented, with similar incidents occurring after previous editions, particularly those held in the United Kingdom and Australia. The Glasgow Games concluded on Sunday after 11 days of competition, hosting over 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories.
Source: bbc.com
