Hon. Okello Oryem, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in-charge of International Affairs this morning met H.E. Fukuzawa Hidemoto the Japanese Ambassador to Uganda at the Ministry Headquarters.
The Ambassador called on the Minister to discuss Uganda’s Participation in the forth coming Olympic Games slated to take place in Tokyo –Japan as well as deliberate on matters of mutual concern for the benefit of both parties.
Hon. Oryem, welcomed Amb. Hidemoto and commended the excellent bilateral working relations between the Governments of Uganda and Japan.
The Minister further appreciated the interventions undertaken by the Japanese Government in continually promoting sport in Uganda and building capacity of the athletes. These efforts were recognised from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Government of Uganda and the Embassy of Japan in 2018 to help Uganda ease in at the quadrennial Games in the forth coming Olympics.
Hon. Oryem noted with concern the unfortunate incident that occurred on Friday 16th July 2021 where a Ugandan weightlifter Mr. Julius Ssekitoleko went missing from the Olympic village facilities in Izumisano, Osaka and also the confirmed case of a Uganda athlete who tested positive for COVID-19 upon arrival.
The Minister further expressed sincere regret on behalf of the Government of Uganda and in no uncertain terms condemned this act of misconduct by Mr. Ssekitoleko.
Hon. Oryem emphasized that both Ugandan and Japanese authorities are working closely to ensure Mr. Ssekitoleko, who betrayed the trust and warm hospitality of the Japanese Government, is returned to Uganda.
Hon. Oryem also informed that the Minister of State for Education in charge of Sports Hon. Hamson Obua will be travelling to Japan to coordinate the investigations in search of Mr. Ssekitoleko as well as join the Ugandan Team in Tokyo to ensure that the Athletes abide by the rules and regulations set by the Japanese authorities for the 2021 Olympic Games.
Amb. Hidemoto conveyed a message of gratitude to the Minister, for taking time to conduct this meeting. The Ambassador underscored the warm bilateral relations between the two countries which are progressive in nature and continue to grow from strength to strength.
In regard to the forth coming Olympic and Paralympic games slated to take place in Japan, the Ambassador noted that the Japanese Government has put in place the necessary requirements to host successful games despite the COVID pandemic.
The Ambassador revealed that the Ugandan Athlete who tested positive for COVID-19 on arrival was treated and is under recovery. Amb. Hidemoto further acknowledged the regrets expressed by the Minister on behalf of Government of Uganda on the missing athlete and appreciated the efforts so far in addressing this matter and also provided the assurance of the Japanese authorities in bringing this matter to its logical conclusion for the benefit of both countries.
In conclusion, Hon. Oryem re-affirmed the commitment of Uganda’s athletes to adhere to the requirements put in place by the Japanese Government to successfully host the Olympic Games despite the disruptions presented by the COVID – 19 pandemic.
The Olympic and Paralympic games will take place between July 23 – 8th of August and 28 August to 5th September 2021 respectively in Japan. This 32 edition of games and 15th for Paralympics is being held under the theme, “United by Emotion reflecting the uniting power of sports world-wide”.
Uganda will feature the biggest contingent of qualified athletes since 37 years ago. There are 19 athletes including 3 boxers, 3 swimmers, 2 rowers totaling 25 sports representatives. The Paralympics team also made history for the first time sending the biggest contingency of 8 including 2 para-badminton, 3 para swimming, 1 para-powerlifting and 1 para-shooting. The men’s’ side in captained by Stephen Cheprotich 2020 gold medalist and the ladies side by Halima Nakayi a gold medalist and Winnie Nanyondo. The Paralympics are captained by David Emong champion of silver medalist at the Rio Paralympic games in Brazil.
