Exiled critic of Rwandan president found beheaded

Image source, Robert KaberaImage caption, Robert Kabera was a popular YouTuber and singerPublished15 minutes agoA former Rwandan army sergeant major, who became an outspoken critic of President Paul Kagame, has been found beheaded in neighbouring Uganda.Robert Kabera, 50, fled Rwanda after being accused of sexual assault, which he denied. He sought asylum in neighbouring Uganda, citing political persecution.Ugandan police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke on Monday said that Kabera's head had still not been recovered. His body was discovered by local residents on the outskirts of Kampala over the weekend. The Rwandan government has not publicly commented on the killing. Several critics of Kagame have been killed, both in Rwanda and abroad.His widow, Jeanne d'Arc Rwigema Uwizeye, told BBC Great Lakes in a written message that she now feared for her family's safety."It is scary. I feel crazy, the children and I don't have security," she said.According to his family, Kabera had travelled to inspect a construction site about 45 km (30 miles) outside Kampala before his death.Kabera built a public profile as a musician and YouTuber, attracting more than 144,000 subscribers to his channel, which featured over 800 videos, many criticising Kagame and his administration.His death adds to concerns about the safety of Rwandan dissidents living in exile.In 2014, Patrick Karegeya, a former Rwandan intelligence chief who had helped set up an opposition party, was found dead in his hotel room in Johannesburg, South Africa. In 2019, South Africa issued arrest warrants for two Rwandans accused of murdering him.More about Rwanda from the BBC:Why Rwanda's deal for F1 race remains controversialPublished4 days agoEx-head of Rwanda's presidential guard dies in jail 12 years after his arrestPublished26 AugustLand of safety - or fear? Why Rwanda divides opinionPublished14 April 2022Go to BBCAfrica.com, external for more news from the African continent.Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, external, on Facebook at BBC Africa, external or on Instagram at bbcafrica, externalRelated topicsAfricaUgandaPaul KagameRwandaBBC Africa podcastsFocus on AfricaThis Is Africa