In brief
Robert Kabera, a former Rwandan army sergeant major turned YouTuber, was found beheaded in the outskirts of Kampala, Uganda. The 50‑year‑old fled Rwanda after a dodged sexual‑assault charge and sought asylum, citing persecution. His death joins a series of killings of Rwandan critics inside Rwanda and abroad, prompting worries over the safety of exiles. With no comment from the Rwandan government, his family now fears for their security.
A former Rwandan army sergeant major, who rose to prominence as a YouTuber and singer voicing criticism of President Paul Kagame, was discovered beheaded on the outskirts of Kampala, Uganda.
Robert Kabera, 50, fled his homeland after a sexual‑assault charge – which he denied – and sought asylum, claiming political persecution.
Ugandan police say the victim’s head has not yet been recovered, though his body was found by local residents.
The Rwandan government has not released a public statement, and his death is part of a succession of killings that have targeted Rwandan dissenters both in Rwanda and abroad.
His widow, Jeanne d'Arc Rwigema Uwizeye, warned the BBC that her family now feels unsafe, expressing fear that “the children and I don’t have security.”
Kabera had travelled to inspect a construction site about 45 km outside Kampala before his death, adding another layer of tragedy.
Social media viewers noted his channel had more than 144,000 subscribers and over 800 videos, many of which critiqued the Kagame administration.
His murder heightens concerns about the safety of Rwandan exiles, especially in close‑border nations like Uganda, and raises questions about state power and international protection.
Similar cases include former Rwandan intelligence chief Patrick Karegeya, found dead in South Africa in 2014, and subsequent arrest warrants issued in 2019.
