In brief
Robert Kabera, a former army sergeant major and popular YouTuber critical of Rwandan President Paul Kagame, was discovered beheaded on the outskirts of Kampala, Uganda. The 50‑year‑old fled Rwanda after being accused of sexual assault, which he denied, and sought asylum due to alleged political persecution. Ugandan police confirmed the head had not yet been recovered, while Kabera’s widow expressed grave concerns for her family’s safety. His death adds to a troubling pattern of violence against Rwandan dissidents, both within Rwanda and abroad.
Robert Kabera, 50, a former Rwandan army sergeant major turned outspoken critic of President Paul Kagame, was discovered beheaded on the outskirts of Kampala, Uganda, according to local police.
Kabera fled Rwanda in 2024 after accusations of sexual assault—he denied the charges—citing political persecution and seeking asylum in neighbouring Uganda. He had built a sizeable online presence, with over 144,000 YouTube subscribers and more than 800 videos, many of which openly criticised Kagame’s administration.
Ugandan police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said the head was still missing, but the body had been found by local residents. The news follows a worrying pattern of violent reprisals against Rwandan dissenters, both inside Rwanda and abroad.
Kabera’s widow, Jeanne d'Arc Rwigema Uwizeye, told BBC Great Lakes that she fears for her family’s safety after the incident. "It is scary. I feel crazy, the children and I don't have security," she wrote.
In 2014, former Rwandan intelligence chief Patrick Karegeya died in Johannesburg, and in 2019 South Africa issued arrest warrants against alleged perpetrators. The current case adds to the mounting concern over the safety of exiled Rwandan dissidents.
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