END OF A CAREER: Ugandan Weightlifter Who Vanished In Japan Banned For Life

By OKELLO ALLAN- (SPORTS REPORTER)

TOKYO, Japan- SHIFTMEDIA- The Ugandan weightlifter who abused the patronage between Japan and Uganda after he disappeared from the Olympic village faces a life ban for his behavior.

Julius Ssekitoleko, 20 failed to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics but decided to vanish from the camp.

He was discovered four days after he handed himself in to the police.

Now for his antics, he faces a life ban from the Uganda Weight Lifting Federation (UWF).

The President UWF Salim Musoke Ssekungu described Ssekitoleko’s behavior as ‘very disturbing’ and unbecoming.

“When I heard about the news I was so bothered.  I prayed that the boy is got. Now that he has been got he doesn’t need to represent Uganda in any weightlifting event anymore. He faces a life ban from the sports,” said Ssekungu.

Ssekungu said Ssekitoleko cant be trusted anymore after such an embarrassment. “He was due to participate at the 2022 Commonwealth Championship in Birmingham (Next year), but we are striking him off the list because we can’t be sure if he won’t escape again. He faces a life ban,” said Ssekungu.

Ssekitoleko who jets in the country tonight we can reveal will also record a statement with police upon arrival.

State Minister for International Cooperation Okello Oryem asked police to investigate how the athlete was accreditated for the Tokyo Olympics.

“Though he turned himself in at Mie Prefecture, located some 200kms from Osaka, he will have to explain why he ashamed Uganda as a nation,” noted Oryem.

Ssekitoleko who purchased a bullet train to Nagoya reportedly left a note saying he wanted to remain and work in Japan due to hardships

 

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The Uganda Olympic Committee will also have to explain circumstances under which the weightlifter was accredited yet didn’t qualify for the games.

The UOC however in a statement said they anticipated he would qualify for the games.

 

Apparently, Ssekitoleko failed to hit the quota required by the International Weightlifting Federation on 5 July 2021.