The United Nations in Uganda strongly condemns Gender Based Violence and the violent murder of Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei

The United Nations in Uganda strongly condemns the violent murder of Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, allegedly at the hands of her ex-partner. We mourn her tragic loss and extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and the entire sporting community.

This horrific incident highlights the pervasive issue of violence against women and girls in Uganda, a problem that demands urgent attention. Too often, women face violence from those closest to them, those they should be able to trust

Gender-based violence is a grave violation of human rights, and it knows no boundaries. It impacts women and girls from all walks of life, undermining their health, dignity, security, and autonomy. Despite its prevalence, it often remains hidden, shrouded in silence and perpetuated.

According to the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey 2022, 44% of women and 39% of men aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence since the age of 15. In the 12 months preceding to the survey, 23% of women and 14% of men reported experiencing physical violence; while 17% of women and 6% of men have ever experienced sexual violence. The 2023 Police Crime Report recorded 14,681 cases of domestic violence, a decrease from 17, 698 cases in 2022. However, only1,520 cases reached the courts, with 423 resulting in convictions.

The United Nations remains steadfast in its commitment to working with the Government of Uganda, civil society organisations, and communities to address the root causes of gender-based violence and ensure that women and girls are safe and empowered. This includes:

• Strengthening legal frameworks: Ensuring that laws and policies effectively protect women and girls from violence and hold perpetrators accountable.
• Improving access to justice: Providing survivors with access to comprehensive support services, including legal aid, healthcare, and safe shelters.
• Promoting gender equality: Challenging harmful social norms and stereotypes that perpetuate violence against women and girls.
• Engaging men and boys: Encouraging them to become active allies in preventing and ending violence against women and girls.

We urge all Ugandans to unite in condemning violence against women and girls, and to work together in building a society where every woman and girl can live free from fear and violence.

Rebecca Cheptegi’s tragic death must serve as a wake-up call to intensify our efforts to end gender-based violence in Uganda. We owe it to her, and to all women and girls, to create a world where they can live in peace and safety.

End of Statement

For more information, please contact:

Michael Wangusa 

Communication Officer

UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO)

Email:michael.wangusa@un.org