World · Africa · 3 hrs ago
Rwandan dissident Robert Kabera found beheaded in Uganda
Rwandan dissident Robert Kabera was found beheaded in Uganda, near the capital, Kampala.
Police said residents found his body in the Mpigi district over the weekend, but his head has not been recovered.
Kabera had served in Rwanda’s army and fled to Uganda in 2020, saying he feared persecution.
He later criticised President Paul Kagame through music and videos on a YouTube channel with more than 140,000 followers.
Ugandan detectives have not established a motive and are investigating his death.
Rwanda’s government has not commented on the killing and denies targeting opponents.
His death has renewed concerns about the safety of Rwandan critics in exile, while the opposition Rwanda National Congress is calling for a thorough investigation.
Robert Kabera, a former Rwandan army sergeant major and critic of President Paul Kagame, was found beheaded in Uganda.
His body was discovered on Saturday in the Kamengo area of Mpigi district, outside Kampala, and his head remains missing.
Police said detectives do not yet have firm clues about a possible motive.
Kabera fled to Uganda in 2020 and said he had escaped persecution in Rwanda.
Rwanda’s government has not commented on his death and denies targeting its opponents.
- Who
- Robert Kabera, a former Rwandan army sergeant major and critic of President Paul Kagame.
- What
- He was found beheaded; his head has not been recovered.
- When
- His body was discovered on Saturday. Police spoke about the case on Monday.
- Where
- Kamengo, in Uganda’s Mpigi district, outside Kampala.
- Why
- Not stated. Police said detectives do not yet have firm clues about a possible motive.
Rwandan government
Critics of Kagame
Targeting opponents
Rwandan government
The government denies targeting its opponents.
Critics of Kagame
Kagame’s critics say his authoritarian stance leaves no room for internal dissent.
Political freedoms
Rwandan government
The government denies accusations of widespread abuses and suppression of political opposition.
Critics of Kagame
Critics say human rights abuses, media restrictions and political repression persist.
Kabera fled Rwanda for Uganda.
The Rwandan military said it had launched investigations into allegations of unlawful sexual contact involving Kabera.
His body was discovered in a bush in the Kamengo area of Mpigi district.
Ugandan police said his head was still missing and that detectives did not have firm clues about a possible motive.
- Age
- 50
- Discovery site
- Kamengo, Mpigi district, Uganda
- Fled Rwanda
- 2020
- YouTube channel
- Major Robert TV; more than 140,000 followers and over 800 videos
- Police spokesperson
- Kituuma Rusoke
3 sources
What people are saying
The head, up to now, is still missing
Whatever. All that we shall establish in the course of investigations.
It is scary. I feel crazy, the children and I don't have security,
Today, his family is grieving, his voice is gone, and Rwandans in exile are confronting a terrifying question: where can we be safe?