The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has called for an urgent and impartial investigation into the murder of Robert Kabera, a former Rwanda Defence Force officer and outspoken critic of the Rwandan government whose beheaded body was discovered in Mpigi District.
Kabera was found dead in Luwala Village, Kamengo Sub-county, Mpigi District, on October 17, 2026. He had reportedly fled Rwanda in 2020, fearing for his safety, and subsequently became a vocal critic of the government in Kigali.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, the Uganda Law Society said Kabera’s killing had heightened anxiety among Rwandan refugees and other people living in Uganda who fear being targeted because of their actual or perceived political opinions.
“The circumstances surrounding his death demand urgent attention,” the society said, calling for investigations to establish what happened to Kabera and bring those responsible to justice.
The society’s Vice President, Anthony Asiimwe, said the government had a fundamental duty to protect the lives and personal security of everyone within Uganda’s borders, including refugees and asylum seekers.
“The protection of life and personal security is a fundamental obligation of the State. Uganda must remain a place where citizens, refugees and asylum seekers can live without fear of unlawful violence, intimidation or persecution,” Asiimwe said.
He said people who had fled their home countries in search of safety should not face further threats while living in Uganda.
“Refugee status must not leave individuals exposed to threats to their lives, nor should persons seeking safety in Uganda be made to fear that they can be targeted with impunity,” Asiimwe said.
The Uganda Law Society called on the Uganda Police Force and all relevant investigative agencies to expedite a thorough and impartial investigation into Kabera’s murder.
It also urged the authorities to assess the security needs of refugees and asylum seekers who may face credible threats and take appropriate measures to prevent further attacks.
“We further urge the relevant authorities to assess the security needs of refugees and asylum seekers who may face credible threats, and to take appropriate measures to prevent further attacks,” Asiimwe said.
The society further called on Uganda to uphold its international and regional obligations concerning refugee protection, emphasising that the circumstances surrounding Kabera’s death must be fully investigated.
“Mr Kabera’s death must not become another unresolved killing. His family deserves answers, and the public deserves assurance that the law will be applied without fear, favour or prejudice,” Asiimwe said.
The Uganda Law Society said it would continue monitoring the case and advocating for human rights, the rule of law and the safety of all people living in Uganda.
Kabera had previously spoken publicly about his decision to leave Rwanda. In November 2020, he told Daily Monitor that he had fled because he feared for his life, citing his relationship with the family of the late Fred Rwigema, a former commander of the Rwandan Patriotic Front.
Before leaving Rwanda, Kabera served in the Rwanda Defence Force as a military instructor and musician. He was associated with the army’s jazz band and became known as Sergeant Robert through his music career. After settling in Uganda, he used social media to criticise the Rwandan government.
Reports also indicated that Kabera sought assistance from Ugandan authorities in 2021 over fears for his safety. In October 2023, a local leader reportedly raised an incident involving an alleged attack against him in Kampala. It has not been established whether those earlier incidents were connected to his murder.
Following the discovery of his body, police took it to Mulago City Mortuary for examination as investigations continued. Initial reports indicated that his head had not been recovered. The motive for the killing and the identities of those responsible had not been publicly established at the time of publication.
The Uganda Law Society has urged authorities to ensure that Kabera’s murder is thoroughly investigated and that anyone found responsible is held accountable under the law.
