Five boxers missing in Scotland after Commonwealth Games

Concerns are mounting over the whereabouts of four Ugandan boxers who have reportedly gone missing in Scotland after the conclusion of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The athletes, Angel Katushabe, Nuhu Batte, Ibrahim Khemis, and Emily Nakalema, were part of Uganda's six-member boxing squad, which finished its campaign without securing any medals.

Their disappearance came to light as the rest of Uganda's delegation began their return journey. Ugandan officials are reportedly preparing an official statement while attempting to ascertain the athletes' locations. Adding to the mystery, Pakistani boxer Qudrat Ullah is also unaccounted for, having last been seen in his hotel room before his team's scheduled departure.

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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.

Adding a layer of complexity, a source claiming to be one of the missing Ugandan boxers stated that the group intended to seek asylum to pursue enhanced boxing opportunities and access to superior training facilities. However, these claims remain unverified, and Ugandan authorities have yet to confirm the athletes' status or intentions.

Police Scotland has confirmed receiving reports of several unaccounted-for athletes and is conducting inquiries, with early engagement involving the Home Office. Commonwealth Games Chief Executive Phil Batty emphasized the organizers' close collaboration with law enforcement and immigration authorities to ensure compliance with UK regulations for athlete arrivals and departures. The UK Home Office stated it does not comment on individual cases but takes measures to protect the integrity of the immigration system during major international sporting events.

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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.