KAMPALA, Uganda- A body identified by relatives as that of Robert Kabera, a former Rwandan army sergeant major and critic of President Paul Kagame, was found without its head in Uganda’s Mpigi District, police said Monday.
The head had not been recovered, and investigators had not announced a motive or any arrests.
Residents discovered the body in Luwala village, in Kamengo sub-county, on Saturday, October 17, according to Uganda police.
Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma said Kabera’s relatives had identified him, but investigators would use scientific procedures to confirm his identity.
Police suspect the killing took place on Friday night or in the early hours of Saturday.
The remains were taken for further examination as detectives investigated the circumstances of the death.
Kabera’s widow, Jeanne d’Arc Rwigema Uwizeye, told BBC Great Lakes in a written message that she feared for the safety of herself and her children.
“It is scary. I feel crazy, the children and I don’t have security,” she said.
His family said Kabera had travelled to inspect a construction site about 45 kilometres outside Kampala before he died.
Ugandan media reported that he had been living in the area and was last seen on Friday night.
Kabera had sought refuge in Uganda
Kabera, 50, left Rwanda for Uganda in November 2020.
He had served in the Rwanda Defence Force and later became known online as a musician and critic of the Rwandan government.
His departure followed accusations of sexual assault made by Rwanda’s military prosecution department, which he denied.
Kabera said the allegations were politically motivated and that he feared for his safety.
Human Rights Watch reported in 2023 that Ugandan authorities had told the organisation Kabera was granted asylum based on his claims of political persecution and was receiving additional police protection.
The rights group has also documented cases involving threats, attacks and other forms of pressure against Rwandan critics living abroad.
Kabera built an online following through music and videos on YouTube.
His channel had more than 144,000 subscribers and over 800 videos, many of them critical of Kagame and his administration, according to the information provided by his family and reports about his online activity.
The killing has renewed concern among Rwandan exiles in Uganda, where Kabera had sought protection.
Human Rights Watch has previously reported on threats and attacks affecting Rwandan refugees and political critics outside their home country.
Those wider concerns provide context, but investigators have not said whether Kabera’s public criticism or past military service was connected to his death.
Ugandan police said they were examining Kabera’s background as part of the investigation.
Rwanda’s government had not publicly commented on his killing by Monday.
There was no indication from police that they had identified a suspect.
The case is likely to draw attention to the safety of refugees and asylum seekers who continue to speak publicly about their former governments while living in neighbouring countries.
