Over 100 Ugandans Missing on Ukraine War Frontline After Recruitment for Promised Jobs

A growing number of Ugandans have vanished after being recruited for seemingly high-paying jobs in Russia, only to find themselves on the frontlines of the Ukraine war. Kenneth Kakuru, a former security guard, is one of many who left Uganda in late 2025, believing he was heading to Russia for a $6,000 per month driving position. His wife, Anthens Ankunda, recounts his hurried departure, filled with hope of escaping poverty.

However, upon arrival in Moscow, Kakuru and others reported being subjected to military training and forced to sign contracts in Russian. Communication with families became sporadic, with Kakuru eventually going silent after expressing concerns about his safety and mentioning a contact named Anna for financial matters and compensation. Tragically, another Ugandan woman received images of her husband’s severed body via social media, and her pleas for government help were met with the response that her husband had left the country through illegal channels.

Miriam Musisi shares a similar harrowing experience, stating her husband was threatened by a recruiter named Dimitri after being forced into military drills. The recruiter allegedly warned her of repercussions if she pressured him further, even showing photos with Ugandan officials. The disappearance of chat logs from her phone added to her fear.

Family members suspect recruitment routes were altered after an initial group of Ugandan recruits was intercepted at Entebbe Airport. Despite the Ministry of Foreign Affairs directing the Ugandan ambassador to Russia to investigate, families remain desperate. While neighboring countries like Kenya and South Africa have successfully repatriated some of their citizens recruited under similar circumstances, a Ugandan man identified as Bukenya, reportedly injured on the frontlines, appealed for rescue, stating the embassy could not assist them.

Relatives of the missing Ugandans are now appealing to their government to intervene, fearing more lives will be lost as over 100 individuals remain unaccounted for.

For more details, read the full report from The Observer (Uganda).