Four members of Uganda's boxing team went missing in Glasgow following the conclusion of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, sparking urgent concern among officials back home.
The athletes—Angel Katushabe, Nuhu Batte, Ibrahim Khemis, and Emily Nakalema—failed to board their return flight, leaving the rest of the squad to travel home without them.
Reasons Behind the Disappearance
In an anonymous interview with NBS Uganda, one of the missing boxers revealed the group’s intention to remain abroad temporarily. They cited the desire to advance their boxing careers in countries offering superior training facilities and greater professional prospects.
The quartet appealed to Ugandans for understanding and compassion regarding their decision.
Team Performance at the Games
- Katushabe, Batte, and Nakalema reached the quarter-finals before elimination.
- Khemis exited during the preliminary rounds.
- Other team members, including Alfred Ojok and Aziz Abdul, also fell short of medal positions.
Recurring Issue for Ugandan Athletes
This is not the first instance of Ugandan athletes disappearing during international competitions. After the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia, at least six Ugandan sportspeople refused to return home. Glasgow itself witnessed similar cases during the 2014 Games when two rugby sevens players disappeared.
These repeated incidents suggest ongoing frustrations among Ugandan athletes concerning conditions and opportunities at home, although authorities have yet to publicly address the root causes.
Additional Context
The Games also saw controversy around super-heavyweight boxer Aziz Abdul’s disqualification in a bout against England’s Damar Thomas. The incident stirred debates on race and fairness in sports, further complicating Abdul’s career narrative.
