Uganda has become the latest African country to uncover a recruitment network accused of luring or coercing its citizens into fighting for Russia in the war in Ukraine, according to multiple media investigations. A video circulated online last month shows a group of men in military clothing singing a Ugandan song in a snow covered forest, while a Russian voice off camera derides them as “disposable.” The footage, shared by a pro-Ukrainian account, could not be independently verified. Investigations, including one by Agence France-Presse, have also triggered public outrage in Kenya and South Africa, where similar recruitment allegations have emerged. Uganda has long maintained close ties with Russia under President Yoweri Museveni, including military cooperation and abstentions from UN votes condemning Moscow’s invasion. In 2023, Museveni’s son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, publicly voiced support for Russia, a stance that drew international attention.
Uganda is known for its well-trained troops, many of whom serve in international missions such as Somalia or later work for private security firms abroad. An official with the Special Returnees Association, a veterans’ group, told AFP that Russian recruiters had recently targeted former soldiers with promises of civilian jobs overseas. Instead, some were reportedly diverted to Russia. The official said more than ten veterans were recruited, with at least three confirmed dead. Ugandan intelligence sources say nine men were stopped at Entebbe International Airport in August while attempting to travel to Russia. They were reportedly part of a larger group of over 100 Ugandans with military experience recruited covertly. A Russian national arrested in connection with the case was later released, and investigations have since stalled. Other recruits are now believed to be transiting through Kenya.
In interviews broadcast by NTV Uganda, families of deceased recruits said they received images of their loved ones’ bodies shortly after they arrived in Ukraine. Uganda’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Okello Oryem, said the government had limited ability to intervene in repatriations. One survivor, Richard Akantoran, said he was promised work in Russia as a supermarket employee or security guard. After arriving, he said he was forced to sign a military contract at gunpoint before later escaping and being rescued by Ukrainian forces. Ugandan officials have since warned citizens against deceptive job offers abroad, as pressure mounts for stronger action against the recruitment networks.
