Ugandan and Pakistani boxers reported missing after Commonwealth Games in Glasgow
Four boxers from Uganda’s Commonwealth Games team have been reported missing in Glasgow, with their team manager stating he has no idea why they disappeared. This incident follows the disappearance of a Pakistani boxer, Qudratullah, who also failed to return home with his contingent after the conclusion of the Commonwealth Games.
The Ugandan boxers, identified as Ibrahim Kemis, Nuhu Batte, Emily Nakalema, and Angel Katushabe, were scheduled to fly back to Uganda on Tuesday. Godwin Kayangwe, Uganda’s chef de mission, expressed his hope that the athletes would return home before their visas expire in October.
Kayangwe stated that he has no knowledge of why the boxers decided not to return. He mentioned that the boxers had communicated with their team manager, indicating they would be coming back, but their phones subsequently went off. This action constitutes a breach of camp rules, as athletes are not permitted to leave without permission.
Media reports in Uganda have suggested that the four boxers might be seeking asylum. One of the missing boxers reportedly told a sports media site that they intended to seek asylum to continue their boxing careers in a country offering better training facilities and opportunities than their homeland. The boxer also appealed for understanding from Ugandans and asked not to be judged for their decision.
When asked about the possibility of the athletes seeking asylum, Kayangwe reiterated that he had no idea why they would do so, stating it was not related to political or gender issues. He suspects the boxers are likely still in Glasgow or somewhere in Europe.
The matter has since been handed over to the Ugandan high commission, which will coordinate with authorities in Scotland. Kayangwe’s message to the missing athletes is to observe the law and ensure their visas do not expire while they are still in the country, encouraging them to return to Uganda.
Pakistani Boxer Also Disappears
In a separate incident, Pakistani boxer Qudratullah was reported missing in Glasgow just hours before his country’s contingent was scheduled to depart for home. Sources within the Pakistan Boxing Federation indicated that Qudratullah was last seen in his hotel room around 2 am. Officials later checked his room and found he was no longer there.
The Pakistan team was due to gather in the hotel lobby at 9 am for their departure. However, Qudratullah could not be located. His passport and return ticket are reportedly still with the team manager, which has baffled officials.
This is not the first instance of a Pakistani boxer going missing abroad. Another boxer, Zohaib, reportedly disappeared during an international tour in Italy last year. The Pakistan contingent concluded the 2026 Commonwealth Games with only one medal, a bronze won by Fatima Zahra in the women’s 60kg category, marking their lowest medal tally since the 1998 Commonwealth Games.
Ongoing Investigations and Past Incidents
Police Scotland has initiated an investigation into the whereabouts of several athletes who have failed to return home with their respective teams after the conclusion of the Commonwealth Games. Authorities confirmed receiving reports of multiple athletes who were “unaccounted for” after the Games ended on Sunday.
Enquiries are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding these disappearances, with close collaboration between Police Scotland and the UK Home Office. The organisers of Glasgow 2026 are also working with relevant authorities as athletes and officials depart the city.
Reports of athletes going missing after the Commonwealth Games are not unprecedented. Similar incidents have occurred in previous editions, particularly those held in the United Kingdom and Australia. Following the 2018 Gold Coast Games, approximately 50 athletes and officials were sought by Australian authorities for failing to leave the country, 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
