In brief
Robert Kabera, a 50‑year‑old former Rwandan army sergeant‑major turned YouTuber and critic of President Paul Kagame, fled to Uganda after a sexual assault accusation he denied. His body was discovered on the outskirts of Kampala over the weekend, but his head remains missing. The Rwandan government has stayed silent, while critics warn that the violent death adds to growing danger for Rwandan dissidents abroad. The killing echoes past targeted murders of opposition figures, such as the 2014 death of former cabinet minister Patrick Karegeya in South Africa. Speakers on both sides of the political divide stress the need for international scrutiny and protection of political refugees.
Former Rwandan army sergeant‑major turned YouTuber Robert Kabera was found beheaded in a suburb of Kampala, Uganda, a week after he fled the country amid allegations of sexual assault he denied.
Kabera had gained a following with over 144,000 YouTube subscribers, using his channel to publicise criticism of President Paul Kagame’s administration.
Ugandan police confirmed the body was discovered by local residents, but Kabera’s head has yet to be recovered. The circumstances of his death remain unclear, and no official investigation has been opened by either the Rwandan or Ugandan authorities.
The Rwandan government has not commented on the incident, but activists and opposition leaders warn that the killing heightens the risk for Rwandan dissidents in exile.
Pierre‑Said two similarly violent reprisals that have targeted opposition figures in exile: the 2014 death of former intelligence chief Patrick Karegeya in South Africa, and the 2019 arrest warrants issued for two Rwandans suspected in Karegeya’s murder.
Saudia's widow, Jeanne d'Arc Rwigema Uwizeye, has expressed fear for her family’s safety in a note to BBC Great Lakes.
International observers call for an independent investigation to bring clarity to the death and safeguard political exiles in the region.
