Ugandan and Pakistani boxers reported missing in Glasgow after Commonwealth Games
Ugandan Boxers Disappear
Four boxers from the Ugandan Commonwealth Games team have reportedly gone missing in Glasgow. The team manager, Godwin Kayangwe, stated he has no information regarding their disappearance. The missing athletes are Ibrahim Kemis, Nuhu Batte, Emily Nakalema, and Angel Katushabe. They were scheduled to return to Uganda on Tuesday.
Kayangwe expressed his suspicion that the boxers are likely still in Glasgow or elsewhere in Europe. He mentioned that the athletes had communicated with their team manager, indicating their intention to return, but their phones subsequently became unreachable. This action constitutes a breach of team rules, as athletes are not permitted to leave without permission.
Reports in Uganda have suggested that the four boxers might be seeking asylum. However, Kayangwe stated he has no knowledge of why they would pursue asylum, dismissing political or gender-related reasons. He emphasized that he has “absolutely no idea” about their motivations.
One of the missing boxers reportedly told a sports media outlet that the athletes intend to seek asylum to pursue their boxing careers in a country offering better training facilities and opportunities. This boxer also appealed for understanding from Ugandans, asking not to be judged for their decision.
The visas for the missing Ugandan boxers remain valid until October. Kayangwe hopes they will return to Uganda before their visas expire. The matter has been referred to the Ugandan High Commission, which will coordinate with authorities in Scotland. Kayangwe’s message to the athletes is to observe the law and ensure their visas do not expire while they are abroad, urging them to return to Uganda.
Pakistani Boxer Also Missing
In a separate incident, Pakistani boxer Qudratullah has also been reported missing in Glasgow. This occurred just hours before the Pakistani Commonwealth Games contingent was set to depart for home. Sources within the Pakistan Boxing Federation indicated that Qudratullah was last seen in his hotel room around 2am.
Officials later checked his room and found he was no longer there. The Pakistan team was scheduled to gather in the hotel lobby at 9am for their departure. Qudratullah’s passport and return ticket are reportedly still with the team manager. This is not the first instance of a Pakistani boxer going missing abroad; another boxer, Zohaib, reportedly disappeared during an international tour in Italy last year.
The Pakistani contingent, consisting of 21 members, concluded the 2026 Commonwealth Games with a single medal. Boxer Fatima Zahra secured a bronze medal in the women’s 60kg category, marking Pakistan’s only podium finish at the Games. This medal tally represents Pakistan’s lowest since the 1998 Commonwealth Games, where the country won one silver medal. Pakistan had also returned without a medal from the 1990 edition, making the Glasgow campaign its poorest in 36 years.
Fatima Zahra’s achievement made her the first Pakistani female boxer to win a Commonwealth Games medal, and she was chosen to carry the national flag at the closing ceremony. Pakistan’s primary medal hope, Olympic javelin champion Arshad Nadeem, did not achieve a podium finish after serving as the country’s flagbearer at the opening ceremony.
Source: bbc.com
