Family's Search for Missing Relative Uncovers Alleged Trafficking of 90+ Ugandans to Fight in Ukraine

What began as a frantic search for Kenneth Kakuru, who disappeared in February after being deployed to the Russia-Ukraine war frontline, has exposed a wider crisis. His wife, Anthens Ankunda, has not received any communication from him since, and the salary he promised would sustain their family has never arrived, forcing their children out of school.

Kakuru is reportedly one of more than 90 Ugandans allegedly lured to Russia with promises of lucrative employment as drivers and security guards. Instead, they found themselves conscripted into fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine.

Kakuru’s twin brother, Innocent Kato, has been trying to find answers, contacting Uganda’s embassy in Moscow without success. He claims that recruits are told they were trafficked, forced to sign unknown Russian contracts, and then trained for combat. Many have reportedly been killed or injured, with escape attempts leading to arrest and return to the war zone.

Kato alleges that a Russian recruiter named Dimitri recruited over 100 Ugandans. While an initial attempt to recruit through Entebbe was foiled, the recruiter allegedly shifted tactics, using neighbouring countries and routes through South Sudan and Turkey to reach Moscow.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations. Permanent Secretary Vincent Bagiire has directed the Ugandan embassy in Moscow to investigate claims of trafficking and unlawful deployment to the conflict, particularly concerning allegations that embassy officials may have handed over individuals seeking help to Russian authorities, or that Kenyan officials have assisted returning Ugandans.

Uganda’s Ambassador to Russia, Moses Kizige, stated the embassy cannot intervene as the individuals signed contracts with private security companies. However, this is disputed by families who claim contracts were signed under duress upon arrival in Russia. This situation mirrors reports of other African nationals being recruited under similar false pretences for the conflict, with some countries succeeding in repatriating their citizens through diplomatic efforts.