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UK police confirm Uganda boxers unaccounted for after Commonwealth Games

Al Jazeera · 2026-08-06

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Several members of the Ugandan boxing team, including captain Nuhu Batte, are unaccounted for following the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with only two of the six team members returning to Uganda. • Why it matters: The situation raises concerns about the safety and whereabouts of the athletes, as well as potential implications for future competitions and the support from their federations, amidst reports of similar issues with athletes from other nations. • What to watch next: Authorities are conducting inquiries in collaboration with the Home Office, and updates on the missing athletes' status and any developments regarding their return are expected as the situation unfolds.

**Title: UK Police Confirm Unaccounted Members of Ugandan Boxing Team After Commonwealth Games**

**Date: August 6, 2026**

Police in the United Kingdom have confirmed that several members of the Ugandan boxing team are currently unaccounted for following their participation in the Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow. The Games, which concluded recently, saw around 3,000 athletes from 74 nations compete in various sports.

According to a statement from Police Scotland, authorities have received reports regarding the missing athletes and are actively conducting inquiries in collaboration with the Home Office. The situation has raised concerns, particularly as the Commonwealth Games serve as a significant international sporting event.

Moses Muhangi, the president of the Uganda Boxing Federation, reported that of the six members of the Ugandan boxing team, only two have returned to Uganda. Among those missing is Nuhu Batte, the team captain, along with one other male and two female team members. The two returning members included Aziz Abdul, a grandson of former Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, who faced disqualification during the competition for a headbutt in his quarterfinal match.

Muhangi emphasized that it is premature to label the situation as a disappearance. He noted that the athletes' visas for the UK remain valid, allowing them the freedom to visit friends and family. He mentioned that some team members were scheduled to return later in the week, while others were expected to arrive over the weekend.

“Let us wait until their visas expire,” Muhangi stated, indicating that the situation may not be as dire as it appears at first glance. He expressed hope that the missing athletes would return home soon.

Phil Batty, the chief executive of the Commonwealth Games, addressed the situation, stating that there is close cooperation between the organizers, Police Scotland, and UK visas and immigration to ensure that all athletes comply with regulations regarding their arrival and departure. He reiterated the importance of maintaining oversight of the athletes during and after the Games.

In addition to the Ugandan boxers, reports have emerged of a Pakistani boxer who also failed to return home on schedule, highlighting a potential trend among athletes from various nations.

As the situation develops, authorities continue to monitor the whereabouts of the unaccounted athletes. The Commonwealth Games, which concluded with a vibrant closing ceremony, have brought together nations in a spirit of competition and camaraderie, but this incident raises questions about the post-Games experience for some participants.

The Ugandan boxing team’s performance at the Games will also be evaluated, as their absence could have implications for future competitions and the support provided to athletes by their respective federations.

As police inquiries proceed, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of the athletes involved, and further updates are anticipated as the situation unfolds.

Source: Al Jazeera
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