Rwandan Dissident’s Beheading in Uganda Heightens Exile Safety Concerns

Robert Kabera, 50, a former Rwandan army sergeant major, was found beheaded in Uganda after fleeing his homeland following accusations of sexual assault, which he denied.

Kabera, who became a vocal critic of President Paul Kagame, sought asylum in Uganda, alleging political persecution. His body was discovered by residents on Kampala’s outskirts over the weekend, though Ugandan police confirmed his head has not yet been recovered.

The Rwandan government has not publicly addressed the killing. Kabera’s death underscores growing concerns about the safety of Rwandan dissidents living abroad. His widow, Jeanne d’Arc Rwigema Uwizeye, expressed fear for their family’s security in a statement to BBC Great Lakes, stating, “It is scary. I feel crazy, the children and I don’t have security.”

According to family sources, Kabera had traveled to inspect a construction site approximately 45 kilometers (30 miles) outside Kampala prior to his death. His public profile grew through his work as a musician and YouTuber, amassing over 144,000 subscribers with 800+ videos critiquing Kagame’s administration.

This incident mirrors past threats against Rwandan critics: In 2014, Patrick Karegeya, a former intelligence official turned opposition figure, was found dead in Johannesburg, and South Africa later issued arrest warrants for two Rwandans in connection with his murder.

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