Rwandan Ex-Soldier, Critic, Found Beheaded in Uganda

Robert Kabera, a 50-year-old former instructor and soloist with the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Army Jazz Band, was found with his head severed in a eucalyptus plantation in Luwala village, Kamengo sub-county, on Saturday, October 17. Kabera, known also as Sergeant Robert, had relocated to Uganda in November 2020, citing fears for his safety as a refugee.

Family members reported that Kabera arrived in the area on October 16 and was last seen at a local bar. His brother became concerned when Kabera failed to return and later confirmed his identity through a scar and shoes found near the discovery site. Police recovered a large stick, suspected to be the murder weapon, along with beer bottles and shoes.

Kabera had actively sought protection from Ugandan authorities, writing in September 2021 about politically motivated accusations and threats to his life originating from Rwanda. He also reported an attack by three men on a Kampala road in October 2023, who allegedly threatened to kill him regardless of his location.

The former soldier had left Rwanda following allegations of sexual assault, which he denied, stating they were politically motivated. He was briefly detained in Uganda in May 2022 over alleged unlawful possession of a firearm but was later released on police bond. Kabera was also known to use social media to voice criticism of the Rwandan government. At the time of publication, Ugandan police had not released an official statement regarding the circumstances of his death.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)