Kampala, Oct 23
A former Rwandan soldier who fled to Uganda and became a vocal critic of President Paul Kagame was found beheaded outside Kampala, with police investigating the murder and searching for his missing head.
The deceased, Sergeant Major Robert Kabera, 50, had served in the Rwandan army before leaving the country in 2020. His body was discovered on Saturday in a bush in Luwala village in the Kamengo area of Mpigi district, according to Ugandan police.
Police spokesperson Lydia Tumushabe said the body was identified by local residents and Kaberaās relatives. The head had not been recovered, and investigators had yet to establish a clear motive or identify suspects.
Kabera reportedly returned to the village from Kampala on Friday evening and was last seen later that night. His relatives became concerned when he failed to maintain his usual contact. They subsequently learnt that an unidentified headless body had been found in the area.
After moving to Uganda, Kabera became an outspoken critic of Kagameās government and operated a YouTube channel, Major Robert TV, which had more than 140,000 followers. His videos and public statements attracted attention among Rwandans at home and in exile.
Kabera had previously expressed fears for his safety, alleging that he faced persecution and threats. Human Rights Watch had documented concerns raised by Rwandan exiles, including Kabera, about their security in Uganda. Rwandan authorities had also accused him of criminal conduct, allegations he reportedly disputed.
The killing has renewed concerns about the safety of political critics living outside Rwanda. However, Ugandan police have not established any connection between Kaberaās political activities and his death.
Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the murder. No arrests had been announced at the time of the report, and the motive remained unknown.