Uganda team manager unaware of reasons for boxers’ disappearance in Glasgow

By Sanjay Menon — 5 August 2026 — 3 min read

Four boxers from the Uganda Commonwealth Games team have reportedly disappeared in Glasgow, prompting their team manager to state he has no knowledge of their whereabouts or reasons for not returning home. The athletes, identified as Ibrahim Kemis, Nuhu Batte, Emily Nakalema, and Angel Katushabe, were scheduled to fly back to Uganda on Tuesday after the conclusion of the Commonwealth Games.

Godwin Kayangwe, Uganda‘s chef de mission, expressed his hope that the boxers would return to their home country before their visas expire in October. He mentioned that while he has no idea why they disappeared, he suspects they are “probably still in Glasgow or somewhere in Europe.”

Details of the Disappearances

According to Kayangwe, the missing boxers had communicated with their team manager, indicating they would return, but their phones subsequently went off. This action has been deemed a breach of camp rules, as athletes are not permitted to leave without permission. Despite media reports in Uganda suggesting the four might be seeking asylum, Kayangwe stated he has “absolutely no idea” why they would be doing so, dismissing political, gender, or similar motivations.

However, NBS Sports, a sports media site, reported speaking with one of the missing boxers. This boxer allegedly claimed the group intended to seek asylum and continue their boxing careers in a country they believe offers superior training facilities and opportunities compared to their homeland. The boxer reportedly appealed for understanding from Ugandans and asked not to be judged for their decision.

The matter has been referred to the Ugandan High Commission, which will coordinate with authorities in Scotland. Kayangwe conveyed a direct message to the athletes, urging them to observe the law and ensure their visas do not expire while they remain in Europe. He encouraged them to return to Uganda, suggesting they could then potentially return to Europe at a later time.

This incident is not isolated, as other athletes have also been reported missing following the conclusion of the Commonwealth Games. Police Scotland confirmed receiving reports of several athletes who are “unaccounted for” after the Games ended on Sunday. Inquiries are ongoing to determine the circumstances, with engagement taking place with the UK Home Office.

Other Athletes Reported Missing

In a separate case, Pakistan boxer Qudratullah was also reported missing in Glasgow. He failed to join the rest of his country’s contingent for their return flight to Pakistan. Sources from the Pakistan Boxing Federation, as reported by Pakistani outlet Geo News, stated that Qudratullah was last seen in his hotel room around 2 am. Officials later found his room empty when they checked for him ahead of the team’s scheduled departure at 9 am.

Notably, Qudratullah‘s passport and return ticket were reportedly still with the team manager, a detail that has baffled officials. This is not the first instance of a Pakistani boxer going missing abroad, with another boxer, Zohaib, reportedly disappearing during an international tour in Italy last year. The Pakistan team concluded the 2026 Commonwealth Games with a single medal, a bronze won by boxer Fatima Zahra in the women’s 60kg category.

Glasgow 2026 organisers have stated they are collaborating with relevant authorities as athletes and officials depart the city. A spokesperson for Glasgow 2026, Sophie Ashcroft, highlighted the close cooperation with partners including Police Scotland, Border Force, and UK Visas & Immigration to ensure a safe and secure conclusion to the Games. Reports of athletes going missing after the Commonwealth Games have occurred in previous editions, particularly those held in the United Kingdom and Australia.

Following the 2018 Gold Coast Games, around 50 athletes and officials were reportedly sought by Australian authorities for failing to leave the country a month after the event, with nearly 190 others reportedly applying for asylum. The Glasgow Games hosted over 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories, concluding on Sunday after 11 days of competition.

Source: bbc.com