Authorities in Tokyo, Japan have issued a missing person’s search after 20-year-old weightlifter Julius Ssekitoleko failed to appear for his COVID test at a training camp at Izumisano.
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The search began after Uganda Weightlifting President Sam Musoke said Ssekitleko did not qualify for the Olympics and he was scheduled to return back to Uganda on July 20. However, the athlete left a note behind and said he wanted to remain in Japan so he can find work. Sesekitoleto was reported missing shortly after when his hotel room was left empty and he didn’t return his saliva test.
“I am praying that they should get this boy. The government of Japan should get this boy, and then we expel him from the sport,” Musoke said to the New York Times.
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Musoke added that it is frowned upon for athletes to disappear a week before the games since it’s “not good for the country” in reference to Japan.
Officials said the Ugandan team has faced several issues since entering Japan on June 19. Two members tested positive for the coronavirus which caused drivers and other employees who had close contact with them to be placed into quarantine.