An embassy letter lists 11 Ugandans confirmed dead and 16 presumed dead, adding to concern across Africa over recruitment into Russia’s war.
At least 27 Ugandan citizens recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine have been killed or are presumed dead, according to a letter from Uganda’s embassy in Moscow to the country’s foreign ministry.
What the Ugandan embassy letter says
The letter says 11 Ugandans have been confirmed dead, while another 16 are presumed dead because their bodies could not be located. Some of those listed as missing are believed to be prisoners of war.
The information was provided by Russia’s foreign ministry. A Ugandan foreign ministry official confirmed that the diplomatic communication is authentic.
Russia’s embassy in Kampala did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Recruitment of Africans into Russia’s war
The deaths add to growing concern over the recruitment of Africans into Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Ukrainian officials have accused Russian recruitment networks of targeting Africans with promises of jobs before sending some to the battlefield. Ukraine’s foreign minister said in February that more than 1,780 people from 36 African countries were fighting alongside Russian forces.
Russia has denied illegally recruiting African citizens, saying foreigners can voluntarily enlist in its military.
Ghana, South Africa and Kenya raise concerns
Several African governments have raised concerns over their citizens being drawn into the war.
Ghana says 55 of its citizens have been killed after being recruited to fight for Russia. South Africa has reported deaths and cases involving men who say they were deceived into joining Russian forces. Kenya has also investigated recruitment networks and rescued citizens who were allegedly targeted for deployment.
Uganda’s ties with Russia
The news comes as Uganda maintains diplomatic ties with Moscow. The two countries have continued to deepen cooperation in education, trade and security, and Uganda took part in the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow last week.
