GLASGOW, Scotland — Four Ugandan boxers have reportedly disappeared after competing at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, prompting investigations by Scottish authorities and raising fresh questions over athlete defections during major international sporting events.
The athletes were among several competitors from different countries reported missing after the Games concluded on Sunday 2, August 2026, with Police Scotland confirming it had received reports of athletes who were “unaccounted for” following the tournament.
A police spokesperson said inquiries were underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the disappearances.
“Police Scotland has received reports of several athletes who are unaccounted for. Inquiries are ongoing to assess the circumstances, and early engagement is taking place with the Home Office,” the spokesperson said.
Four Ugandan boxers missing
Ugandan media identified the missing athletes as Nuhu Batte, Angel Katushabe, Ibrahim Kemis and Emily Nakalema, all members of Uganda’s national boxing team.
Local broadcaster NBS Sport reported that the four failed to board their scheduled flight home with the rest of Team Uganda.
According to the outlet, one of the missing athletes indicated they intended to seek asylum in Scotland in the hope of pursuing professional boxing careers in an environment offering better training facilities and greater opportunities.
The claims have not been independently verified by authorities.
The athlete reportedly appealed to Ugandans not to judge the group’s decision, describing it as a personal choice motivated by career prospects.
Team Uganda declined to comment publicly on the reports, while the remainder of the country’s delegation has since returned home.
Athletes from other countries also reported missing
The reported disappearances were not limited to Uganda.
Pakistani media reported that boxer Qudratullah also failed to return with his national team after the Games.
According to Pakistan Today, officials discovered he was missing after checking his accommodation before departure.
Police Scotland did not specify how many athletes from different delegations were being investigated but confirmed it was working alongside UK immigration authorities.
Recurring pattern after international competitions
The incident echoes similar cases recorded after previous Commonwealth Games.
Following the 2014 Games, also hosted in Glasgow, dozens of athletes reportedly failed to return to their home countries, with some later applying for asylum while others remained in the United Kingdom without immediately revealing their whereabouts.
Also Read: 44 Eritreans ‘seeking asylum’ in Kenya arrested at a home in Bungoma
Among those were two Ugandan rugby players who were later traced to Cardiff after joining a local rugby club.
The UK Home Office routinely conducts enhanced immigration screening ahead of major sporting events and said any asylum applications would be assessed individually in accordance with UK immigration law.
Organisers stress security measures
Glasgow 2026 organisers said they continued to work closely with security and immigration agencies as delegations departed Scotland.
“We have welcomed 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories of the Commonwealth to Glasgow,” Glasgow 2026 spokeswoman Sophie Ashcroft said.
“As athletes and support staff leave the city, we continue to work closely with wider partners, including Police Scotland, Border Force and UK Visas & Immigration, to ensure a safe and secure conclusion to the Games.”
The 2026 Commonwealth Games concluded after 11 days of competition, with organisers describing the streamlined event as a successful effort to preserve the future of the Games after the original Australian hosts withdrew.
