Five Boxers Missing After Commonwealth Games in Glasgow

As Team Nigeria members return home from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Uganda faces a troubling situation. Four members of Uganda's boxing team are reported missing in Scotland.

These missing athletes are part of five boxers who have not been found, which includes Pakistani boxer Qudrat Ullah. Police Scotland and UK immigration authorities are now involved in investigating the situation.

The Ugandan boxers missing are Angel Katushabe, Nuhu Batte, Ibrahim Khemis, and Emily Nakalema. They were part of a six-member boxing team. Uganda finished the Glasgow 2026 Games without winning any medals.

According to Pulse Sports Uganda, the four athletes did not join their team for the return trip after the Games ended on Sunday. The publication says that Uganda's Ministry of Education and Sports is preparing an official statement. They are also trying to find out where the athletes are.

A source claiming to be one of the missing boxers spoke to Pulse Sports Uganda on condition of anonymity. This person said the group wanted to seek asylum in order to find better boxing opportunities and access improved training abroad.

However, these claims have not been verified yet. Ugandan officials have not confirmed where the athletes are or what their plans might be.

Scottish broadcaster STV News reported that Pakistani boxer Qudrat Ullah is also missing. He was last seen in his hotel room hours before his team was supposed to leave. His passport and return ticket were still with the team manager.

Police Scotland confirmed to STV that they received reports about several athletes who are unaccounted for. A spokesperson for Police Scotland said, "Police Scotland has received reports of several athletes who are unaccounted for. Enquiries are ongoing to assess the circumstances, and early engagement is taking place with the Home Office."

Commonwealth Games Chief Executive Phil Batty told STV that organisers worked closely with Police Scotland, the UK Border Force, and UK Visas and Immigration. They wanted to ensure that athletes arrived and left as per UK rules.

Mr Batty said, "We’ve welcomed nearly 3,000 athletes to the city from 74 nations. We want to deliver a safe and secure Games, so we work really closely with Police Scotland, the Border Force, and UK Visas and Immigration to make sure everyone arrives and departs in line with regulation."

The UK Home Office told STV they do not comment on individual cases. They also said they take all necessary measures to protect the country's immigration system during big international sporting events.

If confirmed, this incident would not be the first involving Ugandan athletes at an international event. STV noted that several Ugandan athletes did not return home after the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia. Previously, rugby sevens players Benon Kizza and Philip Pariyo disappeared after the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and later sought asylum in Cardiff, Wales.

The reported disappearances may raise concerns about athlete welfare and the difficulties faced by some competitors from developing countries during major international competitions.

As of Tuesday, Uganda's Ministry of Education and Sports and Team Uganda have not officially confirmed where the four boxers are. Pakistani authorities have also not issued a formal statement about Qudrat Ullah.

Police Scotland said their investigations are still ongoing.