In a shocking incident, it has been revealed that Ugandan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei’s boyfriend set her ablaze during what appeared to be an episode of domestic violence. The 26-year-old athlete sustained life threatening burns during the episode which took place at her home in Kampala, Uganda. Her situation is now in the hands of law enforcement, and her boyfriend is already in jail.
Most recently Cheptegei, whose career was promising in middle-distance running, made her nation proud when she participated in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 representing Uganda. The fierce principles instilled in the athlete have caused her in the past several shocking acts of violence even bafflying the ailing attack on Cheptegei e toward the sociocultural transformation of athletics she did not stray away from her heavy performance path.
As per the media, several local sources revealed that Cheptegei’s boyfriend struck her after a dispute. Her neighbors reportedly heard her yelling and went to help her only to find her in flames. She was instantly transported to Mulago National Referral hospital where her doctors have explained she has been burnt with third degree burns in almost every section of her body. Her state is still critical and she is in critical condition but receiving active measures.
Uganda’s Minister of Sports, Denis Hamson Obua, was unequi
vocal in his condemnation of the deed. ‘This is a tragedy not only for Rebecca and her family but for the entire nation. We are with her in this and wish for her quick recovery,’ commented the Minister. The incident has brought up debates about domestic violence in Uganda once more, and this time activists are making a case for more measures to protect women and more punitive measures for the perpetrators.
The sport has stood in solidarity with Cheptegei with fellow runners including Joshua Cheptegei, Uganda’s long-distance star, standing in support. #JusticeForRebecca, the campaign’s aim of which is to fight against violence towards women, has made an appearance in the social network and has been gaining popularity.
The most likely outcome undercuts Cheptegei’s aspirations of having a career in athletics, but for now the main point is rehabilitation and the democratic recovery of power.
