Rwandan President's Critic Robert Kabera Found Beheaded in Uganda

Robert Kabera, a 50-year-old former Rwandan army sergeant major and outspoken critic of President Paul Kagame, was found beheaded on the outskirts of Kampala, Uganda, over the weekend. Ugandan police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke confirmed on Monday, October 19, 2026, that Kabera's head had not yet been recovered after his body was discovered by local residents. Kabera had fled Rwanda following accusations of sexual assault, which he denied, seeking asylum in Uganda due to alleged political persecution.

Kabera had cultivated a significant public profile as a musician and YouTuber, attracting over 144,000 subscribers to his channel, which featured more than 800 videos, many openly criticizing President Kagame and his administration. His widow, Jeanne d'Arc Rwigema Uwizeye, conveyed her fear for her family's safety to BBC Great Lakes, stating, "It is scary. I feel crazy, the children and I don't have security." According to his family, Kabera had traveled to inspect a construction site approximately 45 km (30 miles) outside Kampala before his death.

The Rwandan government has not publicly commented on the killing. However, the opposition Rwanda National Congress (RNC) called for a thorough investigation and for those responsible to be brought to justice, questioning in a statement on X where Rwandans in exile could be safe. Kabera's death amplifies concerns regarding the safety of Rwandan dissidents living abroad, as several critics of President Kagame have been killed both within Rwanda and internationally.

This incident echoes the 2014 death of Patrick Karegeya, a former Rwandan intelligence chief and RNC co-founder, who was found dead in a Johannesburg hotel room in South Africa. Karegeya had fallen out with President Kagame, served an 18-month prison sentence, and fled to South Africa in 2007, becoming a vocal government critic. Following Karegeya's death, President Kagame made remarks widely interpreted as a warning to other critics: "Any person alive who may be plotting against Rwanda, whoever they are, will pay the price. Whoever it is, it is a matter of time." South African authorities issued arrest warrants for two Rwandans in connection with Karegeya's murder in 2019.

What to watch: The progress of the Ugandan police investigation into Kabera's death.

Editor's note: Thoroughly covers the killing of Robert Kabera, reaction from the RNC, and historical context of dissidents.