Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei Dies at 33 Following Domestic Violence Incident

 

 Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan Olympic distance runner, who passed away at the age of 33 after suffering severe burns on 75 percent of her body in a horrifying domestic violence incident.

Cheptegei’s passing was confirmed by the Uganda Athletics Federation on Thursday, where they expressed deep sadness in a statement shared on social media: "We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, who tragically fell victim to domestic violence."

According to reports, the incident followed an argument between Cheptegei and her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, on a Sunday evening. Witnesses stated that the situation escalated quickly, with Ndiema allegedly pouring a flammable liquid on Cheptegei before setting her on fire.

Local authorities, including police chief Jeremiah Ole Kosiom, confirmed the details of the attack and stated that Ndiema fled the scene after the incident. Ndiema, who also sustained injuries during the attack, was treated at a local hospital.

The news of Cheptegei's death has shaken many, and calls for justice have been widespread, with renewed attention on the issue of domestic violence. Uganda’s Minister of State for Sports, Peter Ogwang, shared his condolences on social media, offering heartfelt sympathy to Cheptegei’s family during this difficult time.

Rebecca Cheptegei had built a promising career in athletics, starting her journey in 2010 when she placed 15th in the U20 race at the 38th IAAF World Cross Country Championship. Her talent and determination were evident as she competed in marathons around the globe.

One of her most notable achievements came in 2022, when she finished fourth in the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, earning her the opportunity to represent Uganda in the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she placed 44th in the women’s marathon.