Ugandan distance runner Sam Yeko has been detained by Dutch immigration authorities at Amsterdam’s Schiphol International Airport over allegations that he travelled using an invalid passport, a development that has sparked concern among Uganda’s athletics fraternity and government officials. Yeko, one of Uganda’s emerging long-distance athletes, had travelled to Europe to compete in a series of international athletics events after securing a one-year Schengen visa earlier this month.
According to information released by Uganda Athletics, Yeko initially planned to participate in the prestigious Corrida de Langueux Road Race in France on June 13. However, after receiving a late invitation to compete in the 55th Gouden Spike Track and Field Meeting in Leiden, Netherlands, he opted to compete in the track event instead. Upon arrival in Amsterdam on June 11, Dutch immigration officials reportedly questioned the validity of his Ugandan passport and subsequently detained him pending further investigations.
The incident immediately triggered diplomatic engagement between Ugandan authorities and their counterparts in Europe. Uganda Athletics confirmed that it contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which coordinated with Uganda’s Embassy in Brussels, Belgium, the diplomatic mission responsible for the Netherlands. The matter has since attracted the attention of senior government officials, including representatives from the Ministry of Education and Sports, while legal support has been secured through Yeko’s management team, Mezzo Management Group, to ensure his rights are protected throughout the process.
Yeko was expected to appear before a Dutch court on June 15 to respond to questions surrounding the passport dispute. Uganda Athletics expressed confidence that the matter would be clarified through legal and diplomatic channels, emphasizing that the athlete has been using the same passport since 2023 and has previously travelled internationally without encountering any concerns from immigration authorities. The federation noted that the allegations therefore came as a surprise to both the athlete and Ugandan officials.
The case has drawn attention within international athletics circles, highlighting the challenges athletes can face when travelling across borders for competition. As investigations continue, Uganda Athletics has pledged to keep the public informed while working closely with diplomatic officials, legal representatives, and event organizers to secure a swift resolution. The federation reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Ugandan athletes competing abroad and expressed hope that Yeko will soon be cleared to resume his international racing programme.
