Full Breakdown
Four Ugandan Boxers Missing After Commonwealth Games in Glasgow
8/6/2026, 9:17:49 PM
Core Event
Four members of Uganda’s boxing squad—20-year-old Ibrahim Kemis, 22-year-old Nuhu Batte, 32-year-old Emily Nakalema and 21-year-old Angel Katushabe—failed to board the team’s scheduled flight home from the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The flight was set for Tuesday, August 4, and police launched a search for the athletes after they did not appear at the airport. Their mobile phones were turned off, prompting Ugandan officials to say the boxers had broken camp rules that prohibit athletes from leaving the Games village without permission.
Background & Context
The Commonwealth Games have a history of athletes disappearing after the event. Police investigations after the 2014 Glasgow Games recorded 39 runaways, and overall, almost 400 foreign athletes and officials have gone absent during the last six editions of the Games. In previous instances, Ugandan rugby sevens players Benon Kizza and Philip Pariyo sought asylum in the United Kingdom after the 2014 Games.
Official Statements & Responses
He emphasized that the athletes had previously informed him they would return, but their phones were later switched off, violating team protocols. Kayangwe noted that the boxers’ visas remain valid until October and expressed hope they would return before the visas expire. He added that the matter is now with the Ugandan high commission, which will coordinate with Scottish authorities.
Police in Scotland confirmed that inquiries are ongoing into the missing athletes, but they indicated that little can be done until the athletes’ visas expire.
Data & Statistics
- Boxers missing: Ibrahim Kemis, Nuhu Batte, Emily Nakalema, Angel Katushabe.
- Flight departure date: August 4 (police launched a hunt).
- Visa validity: until October 2024 (year not specified in sources).
- Historical runaways: ~400 foreign athletes over six Commonwealth Games; 39 in 2014 alone.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Media reports in Uganda have suggested the four boxers may be seeking asylum. Sports media outlet NBS Sports said it spoke to one of the missing athletes, who claimed the group intended to remain in a country offering better boxing training facilities and opportunities. The same outlet reported that the anonymous boxer appealed to Ugandans for understanding and asked not to be judged. By contrast, Kayangwe stated he has “absolutely no idea” what type of asylum the athletes might be seeking and described the situation as “nothing political.” No official confirmation of asylum intentions has been provided, and the athletes have not been located to verify any claim.
What Happens Next
The Ugandan high commission is expected to liaise with Scottish law-enforcement agencies to locate the boxers. Their visas remain valid until October, after which the athletes would lose legal status in the United Kingdom. Until the athletes are found or their visas expire, police investigations are likely to continue without further public action.
