Four Ugandan boxers unaccounted for after Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games
Police Scotland investigates reports that several Ugandan boxers are unaccounted for after the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games; officials are responding.
Police in Scotland are investigating reports that four members of the Ugandan boxing team did not return home following the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with authorities and team officials working to determine their whereabouts. The situation, described by some officials as athletes being “unaccounted for,” has prompted enquiries involving Police Scotland, UK border and immigration authorities, and representatives from the Uganda Boxing Federation. Organisers of the Games say they are cooperating with relevant agencies as inquiries continue.
Police Scotland launches enquiries
Police Scotland confirmed it had received reports that several athletes were not where they were expected to be after the conclusion of the Games and said enquiries were under way. Officers are liaising with the Home Office and other UK agencies to establish travel movements and last known locations for the athletes. Investigators have not characterised the reports as criminal but said they were treating the matter seriously while checks continue.
Uganda Boxing Federation confirms two returnees
Officials in Kampala said two of the six-member Ugandan boxing squad have returned to Uganda, while four team members remained unaccounted for as of the first arrivals home. Moses Muhangi, president of the Uganda Boxing Federation, told news agencies that those who returned included Aziz Abdul, who had been disqualified in the quarterfinals for a headbutt. Muhangi identified the team captain, Nuhu Batte, among those who had not yet come back, alongside other male and female members of the squad.
Officials say visas remain valid and travel plans vary
Federation officials cautioned that the absence of the four boxers did not automatically indicate wrongdoing, noting that the athletes held valid UK visas and were free to move within the country. Muhangi said some team members had indicated plans to visit friends and family in the UK and that several were scheduled to return later in the week or over the weekend. He urged patience until visa expiry dates passed and clearer information on travel plans was available.
Games organisers coordinating with UK border agencies
Phil Batty, chief executive of the Glasgow Games, told UK media the organising body works closely with Police Scotland, Border Force and UK Visas and Immigration to ensure arrivals and departures comply with regulations. Organisers said they provide logistical support and travel records to authorities when requested and are assisting with any further enquiries. Batty emphasized that the safety and accountability of athletes remains a priority for the Games team.
Pakistan reports separate case of boxer failing to return
Regional media reported that a boxer from Pakistan’s delegation also failed to return on the scheduled flight home, prompting a separate set of checks by Pakistani and UK contacts. Officials from Pakistan’s team have been asked to confirm the athlete’s status and coordinate with British authorities to establish whether the individual remains in the UK or has departed by alternate arrangements. The case was described by media outlets as distinct from the Ugandan situation but has renewed attention on post-Games athlete movements.
Diplomatic channels and federations engaged in follow-up
Embassies and national sporting bodies have been alerted as federations seek to confirm identities and intentions, and as diplomatic offices monitor the situation for any consular issues. Sporting federations typically track accreditation and travel logs and can often clarify whether athletes have overstayed, changed plans, or been assisted by third parties. Any formal immigration concerns would be handled by UK Home Office authorities in line with standard procedures.
The inquiry into the whereabouts of the Ugandan boxers and the reported Pakistani case remains active, with multiple agencies sharing information to resolve outstanding questions. Authorities have said they will provide updates when confirmed details are available and urged caution against speculation while checks continue.
