Parliament today unanimously resolved to appreciate the late Rebecca Cheptegei, as a true patriot, and unsung hero who used her talent and skill to promote Uganda’s profile and international standing.
In the afternoon sitting on Tuesday, Cheptegei -a serving UPDF officer, was lauded for her enduring and meticulous contribution to service to sports development in Uganda, and for being a great inspiration to Ugandans. The celebrated long distance and marathon runner who represented Uganda in many International competitions on track, road and cross country marathons died on 4th September 2021 at Moi Teaching and Referral HospitaI in Eldoret, Kenya following a domestic brawl in which her boyfriend doused her with fuel before seyt her on fire.
Parliamentarians recognized that Sgt. Cheptegei was an athlete of
distinguished talent and skill, who through a strong work ethic, confidence, sport and whose patriotism, professionalism and commitment set international and local records. The MPs recognized that she had a celebrated career serving the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces from 2007 With honesty and integrity rising from Officer to Sergeant. They noted that her illustrious career in sports complimented Government’s efforts to change the narrative about
Uganda Internationally.
Rebecca Cheptegei’s global representation for Uganda include; the 2024 Paris Olympics, World Athletics Championships, Commonwealth Games,
World Mountain Running 2022, World Cross Country Championship, Africa Games, Budapest Hungary 2023,
Kampala 2014, Bydgoszcz – Poland 2013 and 2010, Punta Umbria-Spain 2011 as well as many other local and international marathons.
The motion moved by the state minister for sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, was seconded by the shadow minister for sports Hon. Kayemba Ssolo (Bukomansimbi South MP), Hope Grania Nakazibwe (Mubende District Woman MP), Aisha Nalule Kabanda (Butambala District Woman MP) and Alum Sandra Santa Ogwang (Oyam District Woman MP).
The whole house in unison recognized that Cheptegei’s life as an epitome of success as illustrated by her achievements that have been etched in the annals of history with including but not limited to the following:
1. Gold Medalist at Ehe World Athletics Mountain and Trail Running Championship in Chang Mai Thailand in 2022.
2. Gold Medalist in Padova City Marathon, ltaly in 2022;
3. Gold Medalist, Padova City Marathon in Italy 2022;
3. Gold Medalist 2014, Santa Pola in 1OKm road race and Crevillente San Silverstein both in Spain;
4. Gold Medalist at the 47th Iteration of the Cross international Cuitat De Granollers Spain 2013;
5. Silver Medalist at the Firenze Marathon, Florence Italy 2023;
6. Silver Medalist in Cantalejo, and Madrid half Marathon both in Spain 2011;
7. Silver Medalist at Eiffage de Dakar Half Marathon Senegal 2019;
8. Silver Medalist at the Kampala Half Marathon 2021;
9. Bronze Medalist at the CISM World military games 2011 in Rio de Janeiro;
10. Bronze Medalist at the Guangzhou Half Marathon China 2016; and many other competitions where he participated with good results.
“Sgt. Rebecca Cheptegei is indeed among the elite athletes, the unsung heroes of our nation, who have heeded to the call of duty to not only raise the Ugandan flag through sports at the international stage but also inspired our youth and the generations to come to live a purpose driven life.” Hon. Ogwang stated.