By KT Reporter
Uganda’s athletics community is calling on the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) to use its upcoming centenary celebrations as a platform to advocate for an end to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in the sport. Athletes have raised concerns over increasing cases of domestic violence, particularly targeting female athletes, many of whom suffer in silence due to fear and stigma.
The UAF@100 celebrations, under the theme “Celebrating and Sustaining Excellence,” are scheduled for June 2025 at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole. The event is expected to draw athletes from across the country. Olympic champion and three-time world titleholder Joshua Cheptegei stressed the need for UAF and the National Council of Sports (NCS) to protect, advocate for, and promote the rights of female athletes.
“If every stakeholder in the sport comes together to raise a red flag against this vice, athletics will become a better and safer career path for girls and women,” Cheptegei said. He added that the federation’s 100-year milestone should be used to launch a vigorous campaign against SGBV.
“Through sports, we create friendship and a torture-free environment for all athletes. We all have a role to play,” he emphasized.
Cheptegei also expressed concern that many girls’ dreams have been shattered by abusive relationships, contributing to the decline in the number of female athletes, especially in his home region of Sebei. “That’s why, through my Joshua Cheptegei Development Foundation, I’m advocating for their rights,” he said. Olympic and world marathon champion Stephen Kiprotich underscored the importance of using major events to raise awareness.
“These occasions bring together a wide range of stakeholders, making it easier to spread the message and push for change,” he noted. Kiprotich warned that without serious interventions, Uganda risks losing more talented female athletes, just as it lost marathoner Rebecca Cheptegei, who died from injuries sustained in a gender-based violence incident.
“Now is the time. UAF should take the lead in safeguarding the talents that still exist,” he urged. Reigning Olympic 3000m steeplechase champion Peruth Chemutai said many girls suffer in silence due to intimidation from those in positions of authority or within relationships. “Women often choose to remain quiet and let fate take its course. This is partly due to limited awareness about their rights and personal safety,” Chemutai said.
She believes that the key to ending SGBV lies in unity. “If reputable organizations like UAF and advocacy groups come together and say no to it, the vice can be stopped.” Ugandan long-distance runner Stella Chesang added that, while laws are important, women and girls must also take personal responsibility for their safety. “Anything precious must be handled with care—that’s how you should treat your life,” she advised.
Beatrice Ayikoru, General Secretary of the Uganda Athletics Federation and a member of the Olympic Committee, revealed that internal efforts are already underway. “We have begun training coaches and club managers on how to handle SGBV cases so they can better support their athletes,” Ayikoru said. She affirmed that the federation takes all athletes’ concerns on SGBV seriously and is committed to action.
The calls come in the wake of a tragic incident on September 5, 2024, when female marathoner Rebecca Cheptegei succumbed to severe burns allegedly inflicted by her boyfriend, identified only as Marangach. The attack reportedly involved petrol during a domestic altercation. Both Cheptegei and Marangach sustained injuries in the incident-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
