Rwandan athlete Robert Kajuga is hopeful that the four-year ban slapped on him by the Regional Anti-Doping Organization’s (RADO) for missing drugs test last May will be lifted.

The 31-year old long distance runner confirmed on Thursday that he had already lodged an appeal in which he pleads his innocence.

RADO banned Kajuga after he failed to take a doping test which was carried out ahead of last year’s Kigali International Peace Marathon.

He said, "I was confused and shocked when I received an email from RADO on Wednesday informing me that I had been banned from any competition organised under IAAF for the next four years.”

"I agree I did not take those tests, however, I wrote to RADO later apologising and I explained why I did not show up for the test. But afterwards, I travelled to Nairobi where I was tested though I was not given the results, that is why I have already appealed the suspension,” said Kajuga.

The Olympian, who claims to have tested negative during the 2013 IAAF world Championship that was held in Moscow, Russia noted, "I have never used any prohibited substance in my career and I am confused I was not even told I tested positive, so to be banned for four years because of not taking the test, is too harsh.”

Meanwhile, in a separate interview, the Rwanda Athletics Federation secretary general, Johnson Rukundo, said that the federation cannot make further comment on the issue until the final verdict on the appeal has been made.

He, however, revealed that sensitization programmes about doping tests are going to start to ensure that local athletes are ready to be tested any time.

"I think Kajuga may have done it out of ignorance but we have to wait for the final verdict on his appeal but, in the meantime, we are going to start a campaign to educate our athletes that on and off competition doping tests are done and failure to take them is punishable,” said Rukundo.

Last week, Kajuga, who is affiliated to Mountain Classic Athletics Club, won the Nyanza 15km provincial race that was organised as part of pre-event for Kigali International Peace Marathon set for May 22.

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