An immigration investigation has been launched after four Ugandan boxers reportedly went missing following their participation in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The missing athletes, Angel Katushabe, Nuhu Batte, Ibrahim Khemis and Emily Nakalema, were part of Uganda's six-member boxing team but failed to rejoin the delegation before its scheduled departure on Tuesday.
According to NBS Sport, one of the missing boxers, who spoke anonymously, admitted that they intended to seek asylum in the United Kingdom.
The athlete said the decision was driven by a desire to pursue a boxing career in a country with better training facilities and greater opportunities, while appealing to the Ugandan public not to judge them.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland confirmed that authorities were investigating the matter.
"Police Scotland has received reports of several athletes who are unaccounted for. Inquiries are ongoing to assess the circumstances, and early engagement is taking place with the Home Office."
Commonwealth Games chief executive Phil Batty said organisers were working closely with law enforcement and immigration authorities to ensure all participants comply with UK regulations.
"We've welcomed nearly 3,000 athletes to the city from 74 nations. We want to deliver a safe and secure Games, so we work really closely with Police Scotland, the Border Force, and UK Visas and Immigration to make sure everyone arrives and departs in line with regulation."
Authorities said the Home Office would take appropriate action if any breaches of UK immigration laws are confirmed and would continue taking steps to prevent abuse of the country's immigration system.

Post a Comment