Published on 18/09/2024
State Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang, has revealed that Dickson Ndiema, the former boyfriend of the late Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, had demanded control over her property and career earnings.
According to Ogwang, Ndiema wanted all assets Cheptegei had acquired through her sports earnings transferred to his name, a request she refused, leading to her untimely death.

The minister made these remarks while presenting a motion in Parliament to pay tribute to Cheptegei, describing her murder as barbaric and denouncing archaic cultural practices that grant men entitlement to women’s money.
Ogwang recounted a personal conversation with Cheptegei, where she confided in him about Ndiema’s discomfort with her financial independence. He expressed shock at the cruelty of Ndiema’s actions, particularly the method of the murder, where Ndiema set both Cheptegei and her mother on fire after pouring petrol on them.
“What kind of person does this in the 21st century?” Ogwang questioned. “He wanted everything—her bank accounts, her property in his name. The late (Ndiema) resorted to violence when Rebecca stood her ground.”
Cheptegei, who died on September 4, 2024, at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, had a celebrated career. Ogwang praised her for her dedication to both her country and her career, rising through the ranks in the UPDF from Officer to Sergeant through her athletic achievements.
In his tribute, Ogwang highlighted her extraordinary career, which not only brought honor to Uganda but also served as an inspiration to the youth. He urged Ugandans to reject domestic violence and harmful cultural norms that claim ownership over women’s earnings.
MPs Open Up About Domestic Violence
During the emotional tribute, MPs shared personal experiences with domestic violence. Brenda Namukuta, MP for Kaliro District, revealed her own ordeal, recalling how she was threatened with a machete by her partner. Fighting back tears, Namukuta urged her colleagues to prioritize their safety over societal expectations, emphasizing that domestic violence does not discriminate.
Minister of Gender Betty Amongi praised Namukuta’s courage and called for a reevaluation of social norms that pressure women to remain in abusive relationships to preserve their reputations.
MP Emma Cherukut of Kween District expressed her frustration that Ndiema had died, regretting that he would not face justice for his actions. Meanwhile, Phyllis Chemutai of Kapchorwa questioned why women who earn more than their partners become targets of violence.
“Why should women’s success make them enemies to their own partners?” Chemutai asked, pointing out the systemic nature of gender-based violence and the toxic culture surrounding women’s financial independence.
Other MPs, like Flavia Nabagabe and Oliver Katwesigye, echoed the need for urgent conversations about domestic violence. Katwesigye highlighted the disturbing trend of men abdicating their responsibilities, which she said contributes to the rising violence against women.
Charles Ayume, MP for Koboko Municipality, added that sexual violence against female athletes by their training teams also needs to be addressed, while Linos Ngopek (Kibanda North) called for gender-balanced accountability, noting that some men are also victims of domestic abuse.
Minister Ogwang concluded by calling for support for Cheptegei’s surviving children, two of whom are in urgent need of care, given that she was their sole provider.