Rebecca Cheptegei: Ugandan Athlete Dies Days After Boyfriend Set Her on Fire
A Promising Life Cut Short
Rebecca Cheptegei, a promising Ugandan athlete, has tragically passed away days after her boyfriend doused her in petrol and set her ablaze. The incident, which occurred on 1st June 2023, has sent shockwaves throughout the nation and highlighted the alarming issue of domestic violence in Uganda.Cheptegei, 25, was a rising star in the Ugandan athletics scene. She had represented her country at several international competitions, including the Commonwealth Games and the World Athletics Championships. Her untimely death has left a void in Uganda’s sporting fraternity and robbed her family of a beloved daughter and sister.
A Heinous Crime
The circumstances surrounding Cheptegei's death are horrific. According to police reports, her boyfriend, 28-year-old Godfrey Sserugga, doused her in petrol and set her on fire following a domestic dispute. Cheptegei was rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital with severe burns, where she succumbed to her injuries on 4th June 2023.Sserugga has been arrested and charged with murder. He appeared in court on 6th June 2023, where he denied the charges. The trial is expected to commence in the coming weeks.
Domestic Violence in Uganda
Cheptegei's death has cast a spotlight on the pervasive issue of domestic violence in Uganda. According to the Uganda Police Force, an estimated 40% of Ugandan women experience physical or sexual violence from their partners. In many cases, these incidents go unreported due to fear, stigma, and lack of access to support services.Cheptegei's case is a tragic reminder of the urgent need to address domestic violence in Uganda. More resources must be dedicated to providing support services for victims and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
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