An immigration investigation has been launched after four Ugandan boxers reportedly went missing after competing at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
According to sports news outlet NBS Sport, the athletes failed to rejoin the Ugandan delegation ahead of the team’s scheduled departure on Tuesday.
The missing boxers have been identified as Angel Katushabe, Nuhu Batte, Ibrahim Khemis and Emily Nakalema. They were part of Uganda’s six-member boxing team at the Games.
Speaking anonymously to NBS Sport, one of the athletes reportedly admitted that the group intended to seek asylum in the United Kingdom.
The boxer said the decision was motivated by a desire to pursue their careers in a country offering better training facilities and greater opportunities, while appealing to Ugandans not to judge them for their choice.
Confirming the development, a Police Scotland spokesperson said investigations are underway.
“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.”
Commonwealth Games Chief Executive Phil Batty said organisers were working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure athletes complied with immigration requirements.
“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.”
The Press Association reported that the UK Home Office would take appropriate action if it determined that any immigration laws had been breached, adding that measures are in place to prevent abuse of the country’s immigration system.