Uganda athletes undergo doping test ahead of Olympics

Kampala: The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has carried out doping tests for body enhancing substances on Ugandan athletes heading to the Olympics in London this month.

Dennis Galabuzi, vice president (technical) of the Uganda Olympic Committee, told a news channel in an interview late Monday that the WADA officials with the help of Ugandan doctor James Sekajugo had carried out the tests and were happy with their findings. Galabuzi said it was good this exercise has taken place because it is one of the requirements of the International Olympic Committee before teams go for Olympics. He said not all athletes were tested because it`s a random exercise. Already Uganda`s team to the London Games is at 15 with two more - Charles Ssekyaaya (weightlifter) and an athlete Thomas Ayeko - qualifying late last week. "We are not worried about our athletes because they are training hard and expect medals when the games begin," said Galabuzi, who will also be the Chef de Mission of Ugandan contingent. He praised Uganda`s athletes Benjamin Kiplagat and Sarah Nambawa who won bronze and gold respectively at the just ended Africa Senior Championships in Benin. "These athletes are part of the team travelling for the Olympics and they have showed that they are ready to put up a good show," said Galabuzi. Kiplagat came third in the 3,000m race, while Nambawa won gold in triple jump. Uganda team for Olympics: Athletics: Moses Ndiema Kipsiro (5,000m, 10,000m), Annet Negesa (800m), Benjamin Kiplagat (3,000m steeplechase), Janet Achola (1,500m), Jane Suuto (Marathon), Stephen Kiprotich (Marathon), Jacob Araptany (3000m steeplechase), Geoffrey Kusuro (5,000m), Abraham Kiplimo (5,000m), Julius Mutekanga (800m) and Thomas Ayeko (10,000m) Swimming: Jamila Lunkuse (women), Ganzi Mugula (men) Weightlifting: Charles Ssekyaya) Badminton: Edwin Ekiring (men) IANS