Four Ugandan Boxers Missing After Commonwealth Games, Plan UK Asylum Move

Posted : 06 August 2026

Four Ugandan boxers have reportedly gone missing following the conclusion of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, triggering an investigation by Police Scotland and UK immigration authorities.

The athletes, identified as Angel Katushabe, Nuhu Batte, Ibrahim Khemis and Emily Nakalema, were part of Uganda's six-member boxing team at the Games. They failed to return to the Ugandan delegation before the team's scheduled departure from Scotland, raising concerns among officials.

According to Ugandan broadcaster NBS Sport, one of the missing athletes, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the group deliberately remained in the United Kingdom and intends to seek asylum.

The athlete said the decision was motivated by the desire to pursue better boxing opportunities, improved training facilities and greater career prospects. The boxer also appealed to Ugandans to respect the group's decision and avoid judging their actions.

Police Scotland confirmed it had received reports that several athletes were unaccounted for and said inquiries were ongoing. The force added that it was working with the UK Home Office to establish the circumstances surrounding the case.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said officers were assessing the situation while maintaining early engagement with immigration authorities as part of the investigation.

Commonwealth Games Chief Executive Phil Batty also addressed the incident, stressing that organisers had worked closely with security agencies throughout the event. He noted that nearly 3,000 athletes from 74 nations had been welcomed to Glasgow and that robust measures were in place to ensure participants complied with entry and departure regulations.

Batty said organisers had collaborated with Police Scotland, Border Force, and UK Visas and Immigration to help ensure the Games were conducted safely and securely while monitoring the movement of accredited participants.

The UK Home Office has also acknowledged the situation. According to reports from the Press Association, immigration officials will take appropriate action if any breach of UK immigration laws is established while continuing efforts to prevent abuse of the country's immigration system.

The incident has drawn significant attention during the closing stages of the Commonwealth Games and adds to previous cases involving athletes who remained in host countries after major international sporting events. Investigations are continuing as authorities work to determine the whereabouts of the four Ugandan boxers and assess the legal implications of their reported asylum plans.

Four Ugandan Boxers Missing After Commonwealth Games, Plan UK Asylum Move

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