Fighting on Russia’s side: Uganda reports dozens of its citizens killed or missing in Ukraine
At least 27 Ugandan citizens, recruited into the Russian army to participate in the war against Ukraine, have died or are presumed dead. Of these, the deaths of 11 Ugandans have been confirmed, while the bodies of another 16 citizens have not been located—nor have they been found among prisoners of war.
This is reported by Reuters, citing a letter from the Ugandan Embassy in Moscow to the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Uganda’s foreign ministry stated that it received this information from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs via a diplomatic note. A representative of the Ugandan Foreign Ministry confirmed the authenticity of the letter.
11 Citizens Confirmed Dead
The embassy’s letter lists the names of 11 Ugandans whose deaths have been confirmed. Another 16 citizens are presumed dead, though their bodies have not yet been recovered.
The embassy noted that searches were conducted—including among prisoners of war—but no information regarding the whereabouts of these individuals was found. Reuters points out that the document provides no further details concerning the circumstances of their deaths or disappearances.
Ronald B., a Ugandan national, commented on the Reuters report. He released a photograph of his brother wearing a Russian military uniform; his brother had also been recruited by the Russian Federation and died in the war.
Africans are being recruited into the Russian army.
Reports are increasingly emerging that citizens of African nations are being lured to Russia with promises of employment, only to be sent to the front line in Ukraine. This has sparked outrage in countries such as Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa.
Last year, Ukraine stated that more than 1,400 citizens from approximately 30 African countries were fighting on the side of Russian forces on its territory; according to Ukrainian data, some of these individuals were recruited through deception.
Russia rejects allegations of illegal recruitment.
Russian authorities deny the illegal recruitment of citizens from African nations to participate in the war against Ukraine. The Russian Embassy in Kampala did not respond to a request from Reuters seeking information regarding the deaths of Ugandan nationals.
Russia has sharply increased the recruitment of citizens from African nations into its army, attempting to compensate for personnel shortages and heavy losses in the war against Ukraine. Foreigners are lured with promises of jobs and high wages—specifically in sectors like food service or transport—while the risk of being sent to the front line is kept hidden.