Uganda Police have confirmed the murder of Rwandan dissident and former soldier Sergeant Major Robert Kabera after his body was discovered without a head in Luwala Village, Kamengo Sub-county, Mpigi District.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said relatives identified the deceased, believed to be about 50 years old, although scientific tests are expected to help establish his identity conclusively.
“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. Police received the report on Saturday, October 17, 2026, but investigators believe the killing may have occurred on October 16 or during the morning of October 17.
Residents reportedly discovered the remains and alerted police, while Kabera’s relatives had become concerned after failing to hear from him despite his usual communication with them.
Police said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and identify those responsible.
“We are investigating that murder and any other details that are relevant either to the murder or other circumstances surrounding his life,” police said.
Who was Robert Kabera?
Kabera was a former Rwanda Defence Forces soldier, military instructor and musician popularly known as “Sergeant Robert.” Before going into exile, he performed with Rwanda’s military band and gained recognition as a musician, with his breakthrough reportedly coming through the 1997 song Wezo Tunao.
He fled to Uganda on November 19, 2020, citing persecution and threats to his life. In an interview following his arrival, Kabera linked some of his troubles to his relationship with the family of Fred Rwigema, the first commander of the Rwandan Patriotic Front.
Human Rights Watch documented Kabera’s security concerns in its October 2023 report on Rwanda’s treatment of critics abroad. The organisation reported that Ugandan police had confirmed he received asylum on grounds of political persecution and additional police protection. It also documented his allegations of an assault and threats in Uganda in 2022.
Following his death, the opposition Rwanda National Congress called for justice and stronger protection for Rwandan exiles living in Uganda. The organisation clarified that Kabera was not one of its members.
Police have not identified the suspected killers or established a motive for the murder. Investigators have also not announced any link between his death and his political activities.
