Robert Kajuga. Rwandan athlete Robert Kajuga, who was banned for failure to take an out-of-competition drugs test, is still waiting for a hearing before the Regional Anti-Doping Organization (RADO). The 31-year-old long distance runner failed to show up for the test prior to last year’s Kigali International Peace Marathon in May, and was subsequently banned for four years in March this year. He later lodged a formal appeal to RADO, explaining that missing the test was a mistake. The regional body responded and acknowledged his apology, telling him that he will be offered a hearing through tele-conference. “I am still waiting for the conference which was initially due in June, but later postponed until further notice, they (RADO) told me to continue waiting because the person supposed to handle my hearing is still preoccupied with other matters,” Kajuga told Times Sport. He said, “I don’t know how long I’ll have to wait for the said official and I have no idea why he can’t be replaced.” “As an athlete who earns from this profession, I have decided to continue my normal daily training until when I get informed about the way forward”. “I know I am innocent, and I am ready to defend myself because I have never used any illegal substance.” Kajuga added. However, the regional body has said that the ban is in effect while he awaits a hearing. Rodney Swigelaar, the regional director of the World Anti-Doping Agency, said that they have the right to re-appeal any ruling from an athlete’s appeal. Kajuga’s case was the first of its kind in Rwandan athletics. He represented the country in the 10,000m at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London having qualified from the African Senior Athletics Championship in Benin. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
