Uganda’s long-distance runner Harbert Kibet has been suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit -AIU over the alleged presence and use of prohibited substances.
The AIU Website says Kibet was suspended after laboratory analysis detected triamcinolone acetonide and exogenous steroids following Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) analysis.The case is being handled under Articles 2.1 and 2.2 of the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules.
The AIU has issued a Notice of Allegation against Kibet, meaning the case is still under investigation and no final determination of guilt has been made.
Kibet, 21, represented Uganda at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. In February 2026, he won the 10K Facsa Castellón in Spain in 26:39, a performance that at the time placed him fourth on the all-time world road 10-kilometre list.
His suspension comes as four Ugandan athletes are already serving bans. They are Mercyline Chelangat, Belinda Chemutai, Janat Chemusto and Peter Maru.
Former Olympic marathon champion Stephen Kiprotich has called for anti-doping campaigns to be extended to athletes’ training camps to help curb the use of prohibited substances.
Kiprotich said repeated doping cases could damage Uganda’s reputation in long-distance running.
“I wonder why our athletes are testing positive; it is not good at all with some one with a God given talent,” he said.
He urged athletes to trust their talent and avoid banned substances, saying doping could undermine their careers and Uganda’s image in athletics.
Meanwhile, Uganda Athletics National coach Grace Chesang said Kibet’s case could negatively affect young athletes aspiring to compete at the highest level if he’s confirmed.
“When upcoming athletes hear such news, it creates fear ofcompeting with such athletes,” he said.
She called on coaches to regularly counsel athletes and provide them with knowledge about clean and healthy competition.
The AIU stresses that a provisional suspension is not a final sanction and does not remove an athlete’s presumption of innocence. The case will now proceed through the results-management process before a final decision is reached-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
