Uganda Police have confirmed the murder of Rwandan dissident and former soldier Sergeant Major Robert Kabera, whose headless body was discovered in Mpigi District, with investigators yet to establish the motive behind the killing.
Police said Kabera, approximately 50, was identified by relatives after residents discovered his body in Luwala Village, Kamengo Sub-county, Mpigi District.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke confirmed that the deceased’s head had not been recovered, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding the killing.
“Up to now the head has not been recovered. We recovered the body without the head. The killers went with the head,” Rusoke said.
The remains were transferred to Mulago City Mortuary for examination, while investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the murder.
Police received the report on Saturday, October 17, 2026, although investigators believe the killing may have occurred on October 16 or the morning of October 17.
Relatives reportedly became concerned after failing to hear from Kabera, who was known to maintain regular contact with them.
Police said investigations were ongoing, adding that detectives were examining details surrounding both the murder and the deceased’s personal circumstances.
Who Was Robert Kabera?
Kabera was a former Rwanda Defence Forces soldier, military instructor and musician popularly known as “Sergeant Robert.”
He fled to Uganda on November 19, 2020, reportedly citing persecution and threats to his life. In an interview with Daily Monitor shortly after arriving in Uganda, he linked some of his difficulties to his relationship with the family of Fred Rwigema, the first commander of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF).
Before going into exile, Kabera performed with Rwanda’s military band. A 2009 profile published by The New Times described him as a widely recognised musician whose breakthrough came with the 1997 song Wezo Tunao.
His security concerns were also documented by Human Rights Watch in its October 2023 report examining Rwanda’s treatment of critics living abroad.
According to the organisation, Ugandan police had confirmed that Kabera received asylum on grounds of political persecution and additional police protection. Human Rights Watch also documented his allegations of an assault and threats in Uganda in 2022.
In November 2020, Rwandan military prosecutors announced a defilement investigation against Kabera. Human Rights Watch noted that the alleged offence date fell after the date he said he had left Rwanda.
Opposition Group Calls for Justice
Following news of his death, the opposition Rwanda National Congress called for justice and stronger protection for Rwandan exiles living in Uganda.
The organisation, however, clarified that Kabera was not a member of the group.
His killing has raised fresh concerns about the safety of Rwandan nationals living in exile in Uganda, particularly those who have expressed fears of persecution in their home country.
However, police have not identified the suspected killers or established a motive for the murder.
Investigators have also not announced any confirmed connection between Kabera’s death and his political activities or status as a Rwandan dissident.
Police investigations are continuing as authorities seek to establish what happened to the former soldier and musician.
