Ugandan Olympic athlete who died after her partner set her on fire gets a military funeral

Associated Press

BUKWO, Uganda (AP) — Thousands of mourners in Uganda have been paying their respects to Rebecca Cheptegei. The Olympic athlete was honored Saturday with a military funeral. She died last week in Kenya after her partner set her on fire. Military officers played a prominent role in the funeral as Cheptegei held the rank of sergeant in Uganda’s army. Athletes, family and others delivered eulogies in the district of Bukwo and many condemned domestic violence. Cheptegei, aged 33, was buried at her father’s homestead. The attack shocked many and strengthened calls for protection of female runners. Ugandan officials have condemned the attack, demanding justice. Cheptegei competed in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics.