Four Ugandan boxers go missing after competing in Commonwealth Games in Glasgow

Four Ugandan boxers have gone missing following their participation in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, prompting the launch of an immigration investigation, sporting news outlet NBS Sport has reported.

According to the report, members of the Ugandan boxing team failed to rejoin their delegation ahead of its scheduled return on Tuesday. The missing athletes were named as Angel Katushabe, Nuhu Batte, Ibrahim Khemis and Emily Nakalema, who formed part of a six-member boxing contingent at the Games.

Speaking to NBS Sport on condition of anonymity, one of the athletes reportedly disclosed plans to seek asylum in the United Kingdom, citing a desire to continue a boxing career in a country offering better training facilities and opportunities. The athlete appealed to the Ugandan public not to judge the decision.

A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed that authorities had received reports of several unaccounted-for athletes.

“Police Scotland has received reports of several athletes who are unaccounted for,” the spokesperson said. “Inquiries are ongoing to assess the circumstances, and early engagement is taking place with the Home Office.”

Speaking to the Press Association on Monday, Commonwealth Games chief executive Phil Batty said: ‘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 understands that the Home Office will take action accordingly if it is made aware of any breaches of immigration law, and that it takes all necessary steps to prevent people who could abuse the immigration system from entering the UK.