Scottish police launch search for missing Ugandan boxers in Glasgow

Scottish police have confirmed that investigations are underway after four members of Uganda's boxing team reportedly failed to join the national delegation for its return home following the end of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The athletes reported missing are Bombers captain Nuhu Batte, Emily Nakalema, Ibrahim Kemis and Angel Katushabe.

According to AFP, Police Scotland on Wednesday confirmed that members of the Ugandan boxing team remained unaccounted for after the Games.

In a statement quoted by AFP, Police Scotland said it had "received reports of several athletes who are unaccounted for" and was carrying out inquiries while working closely with the UK's interior ministry.

More than 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations competed at the Games in Glasgow, which concluded with the closing ceremony on Sunday.

Commonwealth Games Chief Executive Phil Batty told the UK's Press Association that organisers work closely with security agencies to monitor athletes' arrivals and departures.

"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," Batty said.

Passport confiscation not permitted

Uganda weightlifting coach Khasim Nsubuga said team officials have limited powers to prevent athletes from leaving because international travel regulations do not allow passports to be confiscated.

"Athletes require their passports because they contain valid visas and are needed when moving around. Different countries have different laws, so officials cannot simply take them away," Nsubuga explained.

He acknowledged that such incidents damage Uganda's international image but argued that stronger athlete welfare systems are needed.

"It tarnishes the country's image, but there is little we can do. Government should strengthen athlete support systems and employ sports enforcement officers so athletes have better means of survival," he added.

A recurring challenge

The disappearance of Ugandan athletes during major international competitions is not unprecedented.

At the delayed Tokyo Olympic Games held in 2021, weightlifter Julius Ssekitoleko disappeared from his training camp before he was eventually traced and returned to Uganda following government intervention.

During the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, five Ugandan athletes also failed to return with the official delegation. They included weightlifter Irene Kasuubo, boxers Nasir Bashir, Regan Simbwa and Khalid Batuusa, as well as table tennis player Halima Nambozo.

A similar incident occurred after the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow when rugby players Benon Kiiza and Philip Pariyo went missing.

Search for better opportunities

Sports administrators and coaches have often linked such disappearances to the difficult economic realities many athletes face.

Outside major international competitions, many Ugandan athletes earn little or no regular income, with substantial financial rewards generally limited to qualifying for or winning medals at elite events.

The promise of better employment opportunities abroad has therefore remained a significant factor behind athletes choosing not to return home after international competitions, presenting an ongoing challenge for sports authorities despite repeated efforts to curb the trend.