Ugandan distance runner Sam Yeko has been detained at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, Netherlands, over allegations related to an allegedly invalid passport.
According to a statement from the Uganda Athletics Federation, Yeko had travelled to Europe after being invited to compete in international athletics events. He was issued a one-year Schengen visa on 8 June 2026.
He was initially scheduled to take part in a road race in France on 13 June but later switched to a track event, the 55th Gouden Spike competition in Leiden, Netherlands, after receiving a late confirmation.
The federation says upon arrival in Amsterdam on 11 June, immigration authorities detained him, claiming his passport was invalid.
Ugandan authorities, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have since engaged the Ugandan Embassy in Brussels, which oversees the Netherlands, to handle the matter.
The case is also being supported by the Ministry of Education and Sports and legal representatives arranged through the athlete’s management company.
Yeko is expected to appear before a Dutch court on Monday, 15 June 2026, to respond to the allegations.
The Uganda Athletics Federation says it is optimistic the matter will be resolved, adding that the situation is surprising since the athlete has held the same passport since 2023 and has previously travelled internationally without any issues.
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