Rutabana served as RNC Commissioner in charge of training. He left Europe on September 4, 2019, and arrived in Uganda the following day, but disappeared shortly after arriving in the country.
Rutabana’s wife, Diane Rutabana, said that after her husband went missing, she contacted RNC members, who gave her conflicting accounts. Some reportedly told her that they knew where he was and that he was safe.
RNC Secretary General Gervais Condo said there had been information that someone had seen Rutabana on October 2, apparently suggesting that he was still alive after the date when he was initially reported missing.
Diane said she was also told by RNC members that the group had discussed the possibility that her husband would be arrested once he reached Uganda. She also said Rutabana had told her before leaving that he was having problems with Frank Ntwari, the brother-in-law of RNC leader Kayumba Nyamwasa.
These accounts led Diane to argue that RNC knew what had happened to her husband, although Kayumba Nyamwasa reportedly sent someone to contact her and reassure her.
Rutabana’s disappearance also contributed to divisions within RNC, with some former members arguing that the group has been reduced to a name, following what they described as internal disputes stemming from the case.
On September 20, 2026, Jean Paul Turayishimye and other Rwandans living abroad who oppose the government held an event dedicated to Ben Rutabana, seven years after his disappearance.
Rutabana’s sister, Adeline Rwigara, was invited to speak about her brother’s life. Her remarks triggered a strong reaction from the RNC.
In a prayer during the event, Adeline recalled how Rutabana had introduced her to RNC and Kayumba Nyamwasa, saying she was later shocked by what she described as their betrayal of her brother and his subsequent disappearance.
She accused RNC of being built on lies and misleading people, saying some had defended the organisation and Kayumba without knowing its true nature.
Adeline also accused Kayumba and Ntwari of playing a leading role in what she described as the betrayal of her brother. She said she was grateful that the RNC had collapsed because, in her view, it had been built on lies, cruelty and betrayal.
Her remarks angered RNC spokesperson Ignace Rusagara, who argued that Adeline should not have used a prayer to insult the organisation.
Turayishimye, who previously served as RNC spokesperson before breaking away from the group following Rutabana’s disappearance, later criticised Rusagara, saying he appeared confused and did not understand the case.
After coming under criticism from Adeline, RNC published a statement on social media on October 4 saying that, seven years on, Rutabana’s whereabouts remain unknown.
“Seven years have passed, but what happened to Ben Rutabana remains unknown. His family needs answers, his relatives need the truth. Witnesses should be heard and Ben deserves justice,” RNC said.
The group also said a song had been produced to ensure that Rutabana’s name would not be forgotten, while calling for a credible investigation into all circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
One person responding to RNC’s statement reminded the group that Rutabana’s family had called for an investigation years ago, but that RNC had rejected the request and stripped him of his membership before the circumstances surrounding his disappearance were clarified.
The critic also questioned RNC’s decision to comment on Rutabana’s disappearance, pointing to allegations that senior figures within the group, including Kayumba Nyamwasa and his brother-in-law, had played a significant role in the matter amid disputes involving Rutabana.
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