Four Ugandan boxers are unaccounted for following the conclusion of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, prompting an immigration probe. The athletes, Angel Katushabe, Nuhu Batte, Ibrahim Khemis, and Emily Nakalema, were part of a six-member boxing team and did not rejoin their delegation for their scheduled return on Tuesday.
One of the boxers, speaking anonymously to the Ugandan sporting news website NBS Sport, revealed their intention to seek asylum in the United Kingdom. The athlete cited a desire to continue their boxing careers in a country offering better training facilities and opportunities, and asked for understanding from the Ugandan public.
Police Scotland has confirmed receiving reports of the unaccounted-for athletes. "Inquiries are ongoing to assess the circumstances, and early engagement is taking place with the Home Office," a spokesperson stated. The Home Office indicated it would take appropriate action if made aware of any breaches of immigration law and works to prevent individuals who might abuse the immigration system from entering the UK. The department does not routinely comment on individual asylum cases.
This incident follows a pattern of athletes overstaying their visas after Commonwealth Games held in the UK. According to The Sun, approximately 400 foreign athletes and officials have gone absent without leave across the last six Commonwealth Games. In Manchester in 2002, 27 athletes were unaccounted for. Glasgow in 2014 saw 66 athletes flee, including two Ugandan rugby players. More recently, in Birmingham in 2022, 17 athletes overstayed, including two Pakistani boxers.
Commonwealth Games chief executive Phil Batty emphasized the organization's commitment to safety and security, stating, "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."