Ugandan weightlifter Julius Ssekitoleko, 20, has been discovered on Tuesday, 20th July 2021 in Yokkaichi city, Japan after having gone missing four days ago.
This was revealed by the Japanese Mie prefectural police after a successful thorough search mission.
Ssekitoleko had fled from his hotel room in Izumisano, Osako during pre-Olympics training in western Japan last week.
He was found in the Yokkaichi city, 170 kilometers (105 miles) east of his host town in western Japan.
Ssekitoleko had left behind his luggage and a note saying he wanted to stay in Japan and work, Izumisano officials confirmed.
He did not meet Olympic standards in the latest international rankings released after he arrived Japan and was to return home this week.
Ssekitoleko had missed a slot into the games through the quota system in the 67Kg weight category.
He had joined the pending list (for qualification) after winning 67kg bronze during the Africa Weightlifting Championships at Ruaraka Sports Club in Nairobi, Kenya in May after lifting 100Kg in clean and 130Kg in clean and jerk for a total 230Kg.
The pandemic-delayed Olympics open Friday despite mounting concern about an upsurge of infections in Tokyo, which on Tuesday reported 1,387 cases, up 557 from a week ago.
Uganda has a total of 56 people at the games that were pushed from 2020 to 2021.
Team Uganda Delegation:
Athletics:
Esther Chebet, Sarah Chelangat, Albert Chemutai, Prisca Chesang, Ronald Musagala, Winnie Nanyondo, Halima Nakaayi, Joshua Cheptegei, Jacob Kiplimo, Oscar Chelimo, Stephen Kissa, Peruth Chemutai, Mercyline Chelangat, Immaculate Chemutai, Juliet Chekwel, Stephen Kiprotich, Filex Chemongesi, Fred Musobo, Shida Leni
Boxing:
Catherine Nanziri, Musa Shadir Bwogi, David Kavuma Ssemujju
Rowing:
Grace Kathleen Noble
Swimming:
Kirabo Namutebi, Ambala Atuhaire
Officials:
General officials:
Hon Denis Hamson Obua (head of delegation), William Blick (IOC Member), Dr Donald Rukare (President NOC), Beatrice Ayikoru (Chef De Mission), Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel (General Team manager), Dr. Jacqueline Nana Nakiddu (Team doctor), Prossy Namusisi (Physitherapist), Tom Oomen (Physiotherapist), Shadiah Nakamanya (Chaperone), Aisha Nassanga (Media Liaison), Elijah Njawuzi (Team Admin), Ivan Mugowa (Team Admin), Moses Mwase (NOC), Ganzi Mugula (Athletes Representative)
Technical officials:
Adrianus Ruiter (Coach, Athletics – Tokyo), Faustino Kiwa (Coach, Athletics – Sapporo), Gordon Ahimbisibwe (Coach, Athletics – Sapporo), Domenic Otucet (Official – Athletics, Tokyo), Margaret Ijala (Coach – Athletics, Tokyo), Narisesio Bigingo (Coach – Athletics, Tokyo), Benjamin Njia (Coach – Athletics, Tokyo), Andrew Sorowen (Official – Athletics, Tokyo), Patrick Lihenda (Coach, Boxing), Hassan Mohammed Mulandi (Coach, Boxing), Rodrick Muhumuza (Coach, Rowing), Ahsan Iqbal (Coach, Rowing), Muzafaru Muwanguzi (Coach, Swimming), Dunstan Nsubuga (NOC), Sadik Nasiwu (NOC), Salim Ssenkungu Musoke (ITO, Weightlifting), Aciga Fula (ITO, Boxing)