Four members of Uganda’s national boxing team have not returned home following the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, raising concerns over their whereabouts and intentions. As reported by İdman.Biz, citing The Guardian, the athletes are believed to be seeking to remain in the United Kingdom.
Ibrahim Kemeis, Emily Nakalema, Angel Katushabe and team captain Nuhu Batte did not board the flight back to Uganda with the rest of the delegation. Of the six boxers who competed, only two returned home.
According to reports, one of the athletes told NBS Sport that he intends to stay in the UK to take advantage of better training opportunities. It is also understood that the group may apply for asylum.
Uganda delegation head Godwin Kayantwe admitted he does not know why the athletes chose not to return.
“This is not a political issue, it is not related to gender or anything like that. I have no idea why they did this,” he said.
The Guardian reports that the four boxers were last seen at a boxing gym in Glasgow before going missing. Their current whereabouts remain unknown.
Police Scotland confirmed they are aware of the situation and are working with the UK Home Office to assess the circumstances.
The incident is not isolated. It also emerged that Pakistan boxer Qudratullah failed to board his team’s return flight. When officials checked his hotel room, he was no longer there.
Cases of foreign athletes not returning to their home countries after international competitions in the UK have been recorded previously.
