Exiled Rwandan Government Critic Found Beheaded In Uganda
A former Rwandan military officer who openly opposed President Paul Kagame has been discovered decapitated on the outskirts of Uganda’s capital, Kampala.
Robert Kabera, 50, escaped Rwanda after facing sexual assault allegations, which he rejected, and sought refuge in Uganda, claiming he was being politically targeted.
Ugandan police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke confirmed on Monday that investigators had yet to locate the victim’s head.
Residents reportedly discovered his remains over the weekend.
Rwanda’s authorities have not issued an official response to the incident. However, the killing has renewed concerns about the safety of individuals who challenge Kagame’s administration, including those residing outside the country.
Kabera’s widow, Jeanne d’Arc Rwigema Uwizeye, expressed fears for herself and her children in a written message to BBC Great Lakes, describing their situation as frightening and insecure.
Family members disclosed that Kabera had travelled to examine a construction project approximately 45 kilometres from Kampala shortly before his death.
Beyond his military background, he gained recognition as a musician and YouTube personality.
His channel attracted over 144,000 subscribers and contained more than 800 uploads, many of which criticised Kagame’s leadership and government policies.
The exiled opposition organisation Rwanda National Congress (RNC) has demanded a comprehensive investigation into the killing, urging authorities to ensure those involved face justice.
In a statement published on X, the group highlighted the distress facing Kabera’s relatives and raised concerns about the protection available to Rwandans living abroad who oppose their government.
The latest incident follows the 2014 death of Patrick Karegeya, a former Rwandan intelligence chief and co-founder of the RNC, whose body was discovered inside a hotel room in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Karegeya’s relationship with Kagame deteriorated after he became a government critic.
He was arrested twice and served 18 months in prison for insubordination and desertion before leaving Rwanda for South Africa in 2007.
Following Karegeya’s death, Kagame made statements interpreted by many as a warning to opponents, declaring that anyone plotting against Rwanda would eventually face consequences.
In 2019, South African authorities issued arrest warrants for two Rwandan nationals suspected of involvement in Karegeya’s murder.
Kabera’s killing has intensified questions about the security of Rwandan political dissidents seeking protection in neighbouring countries.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong