Uganda Arrests Weightlifter Disappeared in Japan


NAIROBI, Kenya – Ugandan authorities are detaining a weightlifter who went missing in Japan, where he hopes to compete in the Tokyo Olympics, without charge a few days after he returns home, ignoring his family’s pleas for his release.

Julius Ssekitoleko, 20, has been in police custody since Friday. came home from japanReported missing from an Olympic training camp for five days.

Ugandan officials said they were investigating how he flew to Japan with his trainer, despite not qualifying to be part of the country’s Olympic team.

“What’s obviously clear here is that it’s a possible fraud to airlift someone who knows full well that he’s unqualified,” Ugandan Criminal Investigation Directorate spokesman Charles Twiine said at a news conference late Monday.

“Now the fundamental question is: Was he part of the scam as a conspirator?” and explained the reason for Mr. Ssekitoleko’s detention.

Mr Twiine said the weightlifter would likely be released on bail, but did not respond to questions about what crimes Mr Ssekitoleko could be charged with or when he would be released or presented to court. Uganda’s Constitution mandates that those arrested or detained be released or brought to trial up to 48 hours after their arrest.

Human rights groups blamed the government President Yoweri Museveni of the make arbitrary arrests and illegally detain suspects for extended periods of time without prompt or fair trial.

Lawyer Peter Munaabi, who represents Mr. Ssekitoleko’s family, said Tuesday that they have applied to the court for his unconditional release.

Mr. Ssekitoleko first reported missing on 16 July After failing to show up for a coronavirus test while staying at a training camp in Izumisano, a city in Osaka Prefecture in western Japan. As the search continued, a note was found saying that he did not want to return to Uganda and hoped to find a job in Japan. 5 days later the police i found it In Yokkaichi City in Mie Prefecture.

According to Mr Twiine, the Olympic hopeful men compete in the 56- and 67-pound weightlifting categories and have represented Uganda in competitions in countries such as Kenya, Morocco, Egypt and Kenya. Australia.

Officials said that although it is still unclear how Ssekitoleko went to Japan without qualifying, she was disappointed after being informed by sports officials that she had not qualified for the Tokyo Olympics. During police interrogation in Uganda, he told officers that he had traveled to Tokyo with the understanding that he would join.

Mr. Ssekitoleko’s family and many in Uganda urged the government to release him, saying his story is emblematic of the conditions faced by many young Ugandans struggling to make a living. The East African nation has one of the youngest populations in the world and Months of quarantines to stop the coronavirus pandemic had a major impact on economic growth.

Mr. Ssekitoleko’s wife, Desire Nampeewo, who is five months pregnant, said they had recently faced financial difficulties and were evicted after they could not pay the rent.

“If there is any person or country that can support him, he should,” said his mother, Juliet Nalwadda. “He loves sports. I tried to persuade him to get rid of it, but I failed because he gains nothing from it.”

Many people on social media used the hashtag #StandWithSsekitoleko to show solidarity with the athlete. Henry K. Tumukunde, presidential candidate Uganda in JanuarytoactionsHe said the 20-year-old should be given a “second chance”.

“How many people can stand up and say you’re good enough to represent the country at a major sporting event?” Mr. Tumukunda Asked on Twitter. “For talent to be fully realized, it needs guidance and the right environment.”

But Interior Ministry spokesman Jacob Siminyu said Ugandans should not “shame the country” or risk the consequences if they do.

“If you’re from Uganda and you’re abroad, don’t smear your country’s name,” Mr. Siminyu said at a press conference on Monday.

Musinguzi Blanche Contributed to reporting from Kampala, Uganda.





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