Uganda Seeks to Formalize Russian Work Scheme for Young Women Amid Exploitation Concerns

Uganda’s Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi, revealed that the country is formalizing a Russian scheme targeting girls aged 18-23 from developing nations, including Uganda. Ambassador Moses Kizige has already facilitated over 200 Ugandan girls to work there, initially without full government involvement, and is now engaging the ministry to officialize it.

The program operates in Alabuga, Tatarstan, an industrial hub with factories producing weapons for Russia’s conflict with Ukraine. A junior minister’s visit found no evidence of girls in war factories, but a 2025 report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime highlighted recruitment for cheap labor in these high-risk areas, which have faced Ukrainian drone attacks damaging worker hostels.

Ambassador Kizige recently visited the trainees, praising the opportunities. He noted plans for 540 new Ugandan recruits this year, with salaries from $400 to $4,000, conditions matching European standards, and low unemployment. He encouraged serious work and savings for reinvestment back home.

Despite these endorsements, activists are wary. Kenneth Oloka of Kyeyo Initiative Uganda called for thorough vetting, citing cases of Ugandans trapped in harsh conditions abroad, like over 400 in Cambodia. Lawyer Godwin Toko of Agora warned against desperation-driven schemes leading to modern slavery, scams, or deaths.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)