Missing Ugandan Weightlifter Found

Julius Ssekitoleko, the Ugandan sportsman, who had disappeared from his hotel in Japan, has been found, the Ugandan embassy in Tokyo says.

Ssekitoleko and his teammates were camping at a hotel in Izumisano City and he vanished, leaving behind his luggage and a note saying he wanted to stay in Japan and work, reports indicate.

Japanese authorities have now found him in Mie Prefecture, another city in Japan.

Ugandan officials in Japan say they are “working closely with the competent Japanese authorities in Tokyo to enable Mr. Ssekitoleko continue with the hitherto arranged safe and secure return to Uganda as soon as tomorrow, 21st July 2021.”

It’s on arrival in Kampala that the 20-year-old weightlifter will discuss with authorities about his disappearance.

“Any issues to do with alleged absconding from the duty he had been flown to perform in Japan and related disappearance from the training camp, will be handled appropriately upon his return to Uganda,” the Uganda Embassy in Japan said in a statement.

“The Embassy remains actively seized of the matter and will appraise any relevant interested entities as appropriate.”

The Ugandan athletes arrived in Japan last week ahead of the Olympics.