By: East African Report News Desk |Sweden Office/ Mpigi / Kampala / Kakuma, Rift Valley / Stockholm | 10 November 2026
MPIGI, Uganda — Three weeks after the headless body of former Rwandan soldier Robert Kabera was found in a eucalyptus plantation in Luwala village, Mpigi District, his head is still missing, no suspect has been arrested, and no official motive has been established.
Kabera, 50, popularly known as “Sergeant Robert” and “Major Robert,” was a former Sergeant Major in the Rwanda Defence Force, a military instructor, singer, and outspoken critic of the Rwandan government.
Residents discovered his body on the morning of Saturday, 17 October 2026, near a house he was constructing, about 12 km from Mpigi town. Police believe he was killed on the night of 16 October or in the early hours of 17 October.
> “We are investigating the murder of a male adult, around 50, whose head was cut off, and up to now the head has not yet been recovered. We recovered the body without the head. The killers went with the head.” — Kituuma Rusoke, Uganda Police spokesperson
The body was taken to Gombe Hospital, then to the forensic laboratory in Wandegeya, Kampala, and later to Mulago City Mortuary. Seven witnesses — including the landlord, neighbours and boda boda riders who last saw Kabera — have been questioned.
As of today, the forensic report promised in 72 hours has not been made public.
Who Was Robert Kabera?
Kabera fled Rwanda in November 2020, saying he feared for his life. Human Rights Watch later documented his security concerns and said Ugandan police had confirmed he received asylum on grounds of political persecution.
He became known on YouTube as a vocal critic of the government in Kigali.
Rwandan authorities had declared him a fugitive and accused him of corrupting a minor — an allegation he denied. No court has convicted him of that charge, and it has not been linked by police to his murder.
Muhoozi vs RNC: Claim Without Evidence
On 27 October, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, posted on X:
> “I highly suspect that certain elements of Kayumba’s RNC were responsible. Are they retaliating for Kandiho’s arrest? We shall get to the truth.”
Muhoozi suggested the killing could be retaliation for the arrest on 9 September of former military intelligence chief Maj Gen Abel Kandiho and retired Brig Gen Charles Bakahumura.
He provided no evidence to support the suspicion, and did not name any individuals.
Uganda Police have not named any suspects and have not linked the killing to the RNC.
The Rwanda National Congress (RNC), founded in 2010 by former senior Rwandan officials including exiled Gen Kayumba Nyamwasa, denied involvement. In a statement on 18 October — before Muhoozi’s post — the RNC said Kabera was not a member, and appealed to President Yoweri Museveni for a credible investigation and stronger protection for Rwandan exiles.
HRW Demands Impartial Probe
On 22-24 October, Human Rights Watch called for a prompt, impartial and transparent investigation, and for investigators to examine all evidence pointing to a possible politically motivated killing.
HRW had warned in its October 2023 report that Kabera was among Rwandan exiles at risk.
Fear Among Exiles
East African Report has learned from Rwandan refugees in Kakuma, Rift Valley, that fear has grown since Kabera’s murder.
Exiles say they now fear speaking openly, and some say they have received threats after the Mpigi killing. East African Report is not naming them for their safety.
What To Watch
East African Report will continue to follow:
– Will Uganda Police release the forensic report from Wandegeya?
– Will the missing head ever be recovered?
– Will Muhoozi present evidence for his RNC claim, or will police continue on a separate track?
– Will Uganda provide stronger protection for Rwandan exiles?
– Will anyone be arrested?
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