Arua, Uganda - Zoota Initiative for Development strongly condemns the brutal and senseless act of domestic violence that has claimed the life of Uganda’s Olympic athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei. The 33-year-old marathon runner, who proudly represented our nation on the global stage at the Paris Olympics, suffered unimaginable cruelty when she was doused in petrol and set on fire by a former boyfriend. Her tragic passing is a grim reminder of the persistent and deadly scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) in our society.

We extend our deepest condolences to Rebecca Cheptegei’s family, friends, teammates, and the entire Ugandan sports fraternity. Her resilience, discipline, and dedication inspired many young women and men across Uganda and beyond. Her untimely death is not just a loss to the sports world but a wake-up call to all of us to take decisive action against GBV.

Gender-based violence, including domestic violence, continues to devastate countless lives, stripping women and girls of their dignity, safety, and right to live free from fear. This heinous crime against Rebecca Cheptegei is a stark illustration of the urgent need for stronger protections, enforcement of laws, and collective efforts to eradicate all forms of violence against women. No woman should ever have to live in fear of violence at the hands of a partner, spouse, or former lover.

As Zoota Initiative for Development, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advocating for the rights of women and girls. We call upon all stakeholders including government authorities, law enforcement, community leaders, and civil society organisations to strengthen efforts to ensure justice, prevention, and support for survivors of GBV. We urge the government to enhance the implementation of existing laws and policies to hold perpetrators accountable and protect victims.

Furthermore, we call on communities to break the culture of silence and complicity that allows GBV to persist. Ending violence against women requires a united front where families, neighbours, and institutions work together to reject harmful norms, support survivors, and promote gender equality.

Rebecca Cheptegei’s death must not be in vain. We must all commit to ending gender-based violence and ensuring that every woman and girl in Uganda can pursue her dreams free from fear. We demand justice for Rebecca and for all women who have suffered violence in silence.

For media inquiries, please contact;
zootainitiativefordevelopment@gmail.com
Zoota Initiative for Development
Arua, Uganda