Parliament on Tuesday, September 17th, paid tribute to fallen Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei, who was laid to rest on Saturday in Kapsyiwo village, Bukwo Sub-county.
Cheptegei, a former elite athlete and Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) sergeant, tragically died in Kenya after being set on fire in an arson attack orchestrated by her ex-boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa led Parliament in honouring Cheptegei’s contributions to Uganda, both as a distinguished athlete and as a symbol of national pride.
In his tribute, Tayebwa expressed deep condolences on behalf of Parliament and condemned the circumstances that led to her death, calling for urgent action to address domestic violence in Uganda.
“It is unfortunate that we keep losing people in such a manner, especially through domestic violence,” Tayebwa said. “Really, it is something we have to sit down and we see how best we can handle. It is very unfortunate.”
Tayebwa emphasised the importance of tackling the issue at a national level, noting that many domestic violence victims remain unheard.
“There are many dying that way who aren’t known. Our sister Rebecca at least had a name that could sound beyond her home area, but for those dying quietly, it is an issue which we have to tackle as leaders, not only political leaders but leaders from all aspects of society,” he added.
The Deputy Speaker urged leaders across the country to come together and find practical solutions to the issue of domestic violence, which continues to claim lives.
His call comes in the wake of Cheptegei’s tragic death, which has reignited public discussion about the growing domestic violence crisis in Uganda.
Several MPs echoed Tayebwa’s concerns, sharing personal stories and highlighting the need for a nationwide conversation about domestic violence, which affects both men and women.
Brenda Namukuta, the Woman MP for Kaliro, spoke emotionally about the silent suffering many women endure before they speak out.
“We women are so patient and secretive, by the time I come to speak to you about my problems, it means it has gone beyond,” Namukuta said. “Families are seriously cutting themselves with pangas. If it can happen to me, a member of Parliament, what about others?”
The Minister of State for Sports, Peter Ogwang, also addressed Parliament, revealing that Ndiema had demanded control of Cheptegei’s assets, which she had acquired through her sporting career.
Ogwang described the murder as “barbaric” and urged Ugandans to denounce outdated cultural practices that place men in control of women’s financial earnings.
“Rebecca is gone, but the message must live to help us address other emerging challenges amongst the population today,” Ogwang said.
He further revealed plans to meet with the families of Uganda’s elite athletes to address issues related to gender-based violence and economic exploitation.
Cheptegei, who died on September 4th at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, leaves behind two biological children and an adopted daughter.
