The death of Sergeant Major Kabera Robert in Uganda has once again exposed a troubling pattern in how some Western media outlets and anti-Rwanda elements frame events involving individuals who have criticized President Paul Kagame.
Before the circumstances surrounding his death are fully established, his political identity has become the dominant headline. Once again, the label “Kagame critic” threatens to overshadow the most important question, what actually happened, and who was responsible?
For some of these anti Rwanda, western media and so-called human rights masqueraders a “critic of Kagame” is not allowed to die an ordinary death. Even in death, the individual must remain a political instrument, with the circumstances surrounding their passing transformed into another opportunity to smear the Rwandan leadership.
The label “Kagame critic” tells readers little about the substance of Robert Kabera’s claims, the circumstances of his departure from Rwanda, or the broader context of his life.
Not investigating the death of a Rwandan living in Uganda, the problem arises when political insinuations take precedence over evidence, and a person’s history of opposing the Rwandan government becomes the principal basis for suggesting state involvement.
Kabera had unlawful sexual contact with a family member.” A little research would have shown that this individual fled after his wife filed a defilement case against him after “raping” his own daughter.
Kabera told some people in the Ugandan press that he had escaped Rwanda to avoid what he described as persecution. How, what was that like, why would a musical animator in the army be “persecuted.
However, the label “Kagame critic” tells readers little about the substance of his claims, the circumstances of his departure from Rwanda, or the broader context of his life. Why should this label automatically become the defining feature of his death?
The circumstances of Kabera’s life in Uganda, his personal associations and his political activities may all be relevant to understanding the events leading to his death. But speculation about his lifestyle or the people around him cannot replace evidence. The same standards must apply to allegations of persecution and accusations of political murder.
This controversy comes as Rwanda continues to expand its international profile, including through its selection to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix in 2030. Rwanda’s achievements should be judged on their merits, not through predetermined narratives that portray every controversy as evidence of wrongdoing; nor should the country’s growing prominence become a reason to dismiss legitimate criticism.
Is any critic of Kagame, whether in Rwanda or abroad, ever allowed to die in peace?
Apparently, “Kagame’s critics” are immortal they are not allowed to die without their deaths becoming a headline.
Whether they die of natural causes, illness, or an accident, their deaths suddenly become international news simply because they were critics of Kagame. Their deaths are turned into topics of speculation and controversy, often without credible evidence of wrongdoing. For some Western media outlets and anti-Rwanda voices, a critic of Kagame is immortal. Even in death, they remain a political headline
There is a painful irony in the politicization of death. A human being loses their life, yet the tragedy is quickly converted into ammunition for a political campaign. The pursuit of truth becomes secondary to the desire to discredit a government.
A critic’s death is not proof of state persecution, just as a critic’s political activities do not make them undeserving of justice. Kabera deserves a credible investigation, and those responsible for his death must be held accountable. Rwanda deserves to be judged on evidence rather than insinuation. Above all, the truth deserves better than headlines that turn a human tragedy into a political weapon.
For Western media and anti-Rwanda groups and elements, perhaps the real challenge is this, can they report the death of a “Kagame critic” without immediately making President Kagame the story?
