Athletes go missing after Commonwealth Games

Multiple athletes from the Ugandan and Pakistani boxing teams reportedly failed to return home following their participation in the Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow. Scottish police are currently investigating the matter and liaising with the Home Office regarding the unaccounted-for participants. Uganda's chef de mission, Godwin Kayangwe, expressed hope that the missing athletes would return before their visas expire in October.

The four Ugandan boxers identified as Angel Katushabe, Nuhu Batte, Ibrahim Khemis, and Emily Nakalema have all reportedly gone missing in Scotland. Likewise, Pakistani boxer Qudrat Ullah did not return home alongside his team. Scottish police confirmed receiving reports of several athletes who are unaccounted for, and early engagement with the Home Office is underway to assess the circumstances.

Kayangwe stated that the athletes had communicated with their team manager, claiming they would return, yet their phones subsequently went silent. This breach of camp rules is particularly concerning as no athlete is permitted to leave without proper authorization. Multiple instances of athletes seeking asylum following previous Commonwealth Games have been documented, including cases in 2018 on the Gold Coast and 2014 in Glasgow.

The Glasgow 2026 chief executive, Phil Batty, emphasized the organization's commitment to ensuring a safe and secure event, collaborating closely with Police Scotland, the Border Force, and UK visas and immigration to ensure that all participants arrive and depart in accordance with regulations. The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow attracted 3,000 athletes from 74 nations over an 11-day period.