UPDATED: Murdered Olympian, Cheptegei, laid to rest with full military honours

Today, Uganda and the world has bade a final farewell to Olympic long-distance marathon athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who was tragically murdered by her ex-boyfriend.

The funeral culminated with the late athlete being laid to rest at her ancestral home in Kapsiywo village, Muimet Parish, Bukwo district, Kongasis county, Eastern Uganda.

Rebecca’s tragic death triggered outrage around the world, with many calling for justice and an end to gender-based violence.

The Ugandan government has pledged to take action, with the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja attending the funeral to pay respects.

The funeral ceremony was conducted with full military honours, a prove of her country’s value of her personality Rebecca’s dedication and service to her country through sports.

Members of UPDF mounting a guard of honour during the funeral service

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) had earlier escorted her remains in a motorcade to her hometown on Friday.

On Saturday, UPDF provided a gun salute, and a police band played solemn music to mourn the fallen athlete.

Members of the Cheptegei family, friends, and fellow athletes were in attendance.

Meanwhile, the city of Paris wants to honour the late Ugandan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei by naming a sports venue after her.

The proposal was announced by city mayor Anne Hidalgo on Friday and will be discussed by elected city officials in October.

GBV against female athletes in Africa:

Africa has produced numerous world-class athletes, but beneath the glory and achievements, many female athletes face a darker reality: gender-based violence (GBV).

This silent epidemic affects not only their personal lives but also their performance and overall well-being.

Here are some cases of gender-based violence against athletes in Africa:

1. Agnes Tirop (Kenya): Olympic sprinter murdered by her husband in 2021.
2. Rebecca Cheptegei (Uganda): Olympic long-distance runner set ablaze and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 2023.
3. Janine van Wyk (South Africa): Banyana Banyana soccer player spoke out about her experiences with GBV.
4. Lindsey Thobane (South Africa): Professional soccer player survived a brutal attack by her ex-boyfriend in 2020.
5. Nolene Conrad (South Africa): Former Olympic athlete spoke out about being raped by her coach in the 1980s.
6. Amina Mohamed (Somalia): Olympic runner survived a knife attack by her ex-husband in 2019.
7. Moses Mbye (Uganda): Former national boxer accused of assaulting his wife, a fellow boxer, in 2020.
8. Mercy Myeede (Ghana): Former national volleyball player spoke out about being physically abused by her coach in 2019.

These cases illustrate the prevalence of gender-based violence against athletes in Africa and highlight the need for increased support, awareness, and accountability.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook