Four Ugandan boxers have refused to join the rest of their team following the conclusion of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, as they were due to return home after the tournament.
According to reports, the missing boxers are Angel Katushabe, Nuhu Batte, Ibrahim Khemis and Emily Nakalema. They were absent when the Ugandan contingent prepared to travel back home, raising concerns among team officials.
National Broadcasting Station (NBS) Sports reported that the athletes did not show up for the team’s departure. One of them, speaking anonymously, claimed the group deliberately stayed behind and plans to apply for asylum in Scotland.
According to the boxer, the decision was driven by a desire to pursue their careers in an environment with stronger boxing structures, improved facilities and more opportunities to succeed professionally.
The athletes also appealed to Ugandans for understanding, saying they hope their choice will not be met with condemnation.
Ugandan authorities have launched efforts to establish the whereabouts of the four boxers, while the country’s Ministry of Education and Sports is expected to address the situation in an official statement.
In 2014, after the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, a similar incident occurred when two Ugandan rugby players, Benon Kizza and Philip Pariyo, went missing. The pair later sought asylum and eventually continued their rugby careers in Cardiff.
Similarly, following the 2018 Commonwealth Games on Australia’s Gold Coast, several Ugandan athletes also failed to return home with the national team.
Oladimeji AdeoyeÂ
