Rwandan Government Critic Robert Kabera Found Beheaded in Uganda

Robert Kabera, a 50-year-old prominent Rwandan government critic and former army sergeant major, was found beheaded in Uganda on October 17, 2026, prompting a police investigation into his death[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][10]. His headless body was discovered in Luwala village, near Kampala, and his head remains unrecovered[1][2][5][6][8].

Kabera's death raises significant concerns about the safety of Rwandan exiles living in Uganda, particularly those who publicly criticize the Rwandan government[3][4]. Human Rights Watch has called for a thorough investigation, citing Kabera's explicit fears for his life due to his activism[4].

What the records show

Kabera, known as "Sergeant Robert," fled Rwanda to Uganda in November 2020, seeking asylum and claiming political persecution[2][3][4][5][7]. He denied sexual assault allegations leveled by the Rwandan military[2][3][4]. In Uganda, Kabera became an outspoken critic of Rwandan President Paul Kagame, operating a YouTube channel with over 140,000 subscribers, featuring more than 800 critical videos[1][2][3][5].

Kabera's fears and the investigation

On October 16, 2026, Kabera traveled from Kampala to Luwala village[2][7][10]. Police believe the killing occurred late that day or early October 17[1][6][8]. His widow, Jeanne d'Arc Rwigema Uwizeye, expressed fear for her family's safety[2][3]. The opposition Rwanda National Congress (RNC) called for a thorough investigation and protection for Rwandan exiles[2][3]. Human Rights Watch urged Ugandan authorities to conduct a prompt, impartial, and credible investigation, examining all evidence pointing to a politically motivated killing[4]. The Rwandan government has not publicly commented on Kabera's death[2][3][5].

What we could not confirm