Several Ugandans believed to have travelled to Russia as mercenaries to participate in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict are reportedly appealing for government intervention, claiming they have been abandoned on the frontline, gone unpaid, and are unable to return home.
Interviews with individuals claiming knowledge of the situation, as well as messages shared with The Investigator, paint a troubling picture of Ugandan nationals allegedly caught in one of the world’s deadliest conflicts.
However, many of the claims contained in these accounts could not be independently verified, and officials had not publicly confirmed the figures or allegations at the time of publication.
Dying without getting paid
The Russia-Ukraine war, which escalated following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has seen both sides recruit foreign nationals through a variety of channels. International media have documented the presence of foreign fighters from dozens of countries, although reliable figures remain difficult to establish.
According to sources who spoke to The Investigator on condition of anonymity because they feared reprisals, hundreds of Ugandans may have been recruited to fight on behalf of either Russia or Ukraine during different stages of the conflict. The publication has not independently verified the number.
One source alleged that many recruits were promised lucrative salaries and benefits but later found themselves deployed to active combat zones under extremely dangerous conditions.
“They are dying without getting paid,” one source claimed, describing the situation as “a humanitarian crisis” for those still trapped in the conflict.
Dimitri the recruiter
The source further alleged that the recruiter, identified only as “Dimitri,” had extensive connections across Africa. The Investigator has been unable to independently verify the identity of the individual, the recruitment allegations, or the claims regarding alleged connections with government officials.
Another source said the situation facing Ugandans in Russia and occupied areas could be divided into several categories.
According to the source, these include:
Ugandans receiving treatment in Russian military hospitals after sustaining injuries.
Ugandans allegedly detained by Russian authorities after attempting to flee the frontline.
Ugandans reportedly still fighting on active frontlines in Ukraine.
Ugandans captured by Ukrainian forces and believed to be prisoners of war.
Ugandans whose whereabouts are unknown and who are described by the source as missing in action.
These claims remain unverified, and neither the Russian nor Ukrainian governments have publicly released information confirming the number or status of Ugandan nationals allegedly involved in the conflict.
Families in limbo
Families back home are said to be increasingly anxious, with some claiming they have lost contact with their relatives for months.
Human rights experts have previously warned that foreign recruits in armed conflicts may face heightened risks, including exploitation, non-payment, arbitrary detention, and limited access to consular assistance. International humanitarian law provides protections for prisoners of war under certain circumstances, while the legal status of foreign fighters varies depending on the facts of each case and the applicable laws.
The Ugandan government has previously advised citizens against travelling to conflict zones and has warned of the dangers associated with irregular recruitment for overseas security or military work. Ugandan authorities have also cautioned job seekers to verify overseas employment opportunities through licensed recruitment agencies.
Legal experts note that recruiting individuals to participate in foreign armed conflicts can raise complex legal issues under both domestic and international law, depending on the circumstances, the nature of the recruitment, and the individual’s role in hostilities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not publicly announced a comprehensive repatriation programme specifically for Ugandan nationals allegedly involved in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. It remains unclear how many Ugandan citizens may currently be in Russia, Ukraine, detention facilities, military hospitals, or prisoner-of-war camps.
As calls for assistance grow louder, relatives and friends of those believed to be stranded are urging the Ugandan government to establish the identities and whereabouts of affected citizens and, where possible, facilitate consular access and safe repatriation.
The Investigator has sought comment from Ugandan authorities regarding the allegations and the reported plight of Ugandan nationals in the conflict. The publication will update this story if official responses are received or if additional verified information becomes available.
Author Profile
- Charles Gazza Kodili is a seasoned journalist with over 20 years of experience in the media industry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication. He’s currently the Chief Editor at the Investigator.
Charles can also be reached via; Tel: +256 774 108978
Email: [email protected]
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