Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei Dies in Attack

Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei, who tragically died after being set on fire by her ex-partner, is set to be buried in her hometown of Bukwo, Uganda, on Saturday. Cheptegei, who recently competed in the Paris Olympics, has become a symbol in the fight against gender-based violence, with her death prompting widespread outrage and calls for action in both Kenya and Uganda. Her body was received with military honors at the Kenya-Uganda border, reflecting her service as a soldier in the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces. The incident has drawn attention to the alarming rates of gender-based violence in the region, with a 2022 survey indicating that nearly 34% of Kenyan women have experienced physical violence. As family members and fellow athletes mourn her loss, the burial will also serve as a reminder of the urgent need for societal change regarding violence against women. Cheptegei's death, alongside other recent incidents involving female athletes, has galvanized activists to advocate for greater protections and support for women in sports.