Four Ugandan boxers have gone missing after competing at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, prompting an immigration investigation in the UK.
The athletes — Angel Katushabe, Nuhu Batte, Ibrahim Khemis and Emily Nakalema — were part of Uganda’s six-member boxing team at the Games. According to NBS Sport, they failed to rejoin the Ugandan delegation ahead of their scheduled return on Tuesday.
One of the boxers, speaking anonymously to NBS Sport, said the athletes intended to apply for asylum in the UK. The boxer said they hoped to continue their careers in a country with better training facilities and more opportunities.
The athlete also appealed to the Ugandan public not to condemn them over their decision.
Police Scotland confirmed it had received reports of several athletes being unaccounted for.
“Police Scotland has received reports of several athletes who are unaccounted for,” a spokesperson said. “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 worked closely with security and immigration authorities to ensure athletes arrived and left the event in line with regulations.
“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,” Batty told the Press Association.
The UK Home Office is expected to respond if any immigration breaches are identified and will take action in line with immigration laws.
