The Minister of State for Sports, Peter Ogwang, has disclosed harrowing details regarding the murder of Olympian athlete Rebecca Cheptegei.
Cheptegei was killed in a dispute over property ownership with her former boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema.
Ogwang revealed that Ndiema had demanded control over all of Cheptegei’s properties and career earnings, leading to a conflict that ultimately resulted in her tragic death.
Speaking during a motion to pay tribute to Cheptegei, Ogwang described her killing as “barbaric” and urged Ugandans to reject cultural practices that entitle men to the earnings of women.
According to the Minister, Cheptegei had confided in him about Ndiema’s demands that her property and bank accounts be registered in his name, a request she had refused.
“The late Ndiema wanted the bank account to be put in shared names. He even bought petrol and set her on fire. What kind of person does this in the 21st century?” Ogwang lamented during the session.
Cheptegei’s death, which occurred on September 4, 2024, at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, sent shockwaves across Uganda.
Cheptegei, a celebrated athlete who also served in the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), rose to the rank of Sergeant through her sporting achievements. She is survived by two biological children and one adopted daughter, all of whom now face uncertainty following her untimely death, as she was their sole provider.
Ogwang took the opportunity to denounce domestic violence and outdated cultural norms that perpetuate male control over women’s earnings. He expressed concerns about similar cases affecting other female athletes and called for societal change.
“Some of us still believe we have ownership of the monies of our wives. Men must accept to work hard for what belongs to them and respect what belongs to their wives,” he said.
He also condemned the actions of Ndiema as the couple’s 11 year old child tried to rescue the mother he set ablaze.
“Imagine this barbaric man, the poor girl attempted to run in the house to pick water, having burnt the mother, run to get water, the man kicked the poor girl. What kind of human being are you?
The Minister also revealed plans to meet with families and partners of Uganda’s elite female athletes to address the dangers of gender-based violence. He noted that Cheptegei’s tragic death should serve as a wake-up call to prevent similar incidents.
During the session, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa questioned Ogwang about reports that the ATM cards of some female Ugandan athletes are being confiscated by their boyfriends.
Ogwang confirmed that such practices exist, sharing a case where he intervened to help a female athlete reclaim financial independence from her husband.
“Rebecca is gone, but her story must live on to help us address these emerging challenges,” Ogwang stated.
He praised President Yoweri Museveni for contributing a condolence of 50 million shillings towards the deceased’s children and commended the UPDF for honoring the sergeant with a military burial befitting a general.
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