news 4 April 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Ugandan Families Plead for Government Help to Bring Back Relatives Trapped in Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Dozens of Ugandan families are urging the governments of Uganda and Russia to repatriate their loved ones, who were lured to Russia with job promises but forced into fighting in the Ukraine war. Victims, mostly ex-security personnel, traveled on tourist visas and now face uncertainty, with some confirmed dead and others missing. Source: https://observer.ug/news/ugandan-families-ask-govt-to-return-relatives-stuck-in-russia-ukraine-war
In late 2025, several Ugandans, including Byamugisha, left for Russia on tourist visas after a recruiter named Dimitry promised high-paying security and driving jobs worth about Shs 7.3 million monthly. Instead, within days of arrival, they were taken to military camps, trained, and sent to the Russia-Ukraine frontline.
Elizabeth Tabamubi, Byamugisha’s wife, last heard from her husband on January 17 after he described being coerced into signing Russian-language contracts under threat of execution. Her brother was also among the group. She joined 30 other relatives at a Kampala press conference, tearfully demanding the return of their family members, dead or alive.
Janipher Namuli recounted a similar ordeal for her husband William Kyofa, who was intimidated into signing and noted that many victims had prior experience in conflict zones like Afghanistan and Somalia. Recruiters targeted unemployed individuals via WhatsApp.
Caroline Mukiza confirmed her husband’s death through social media images on Facebook and X, but his body remains unreturned despite pleas. Families report no payments from the promised salaries, managed by the recruiter.
Innocent Kato emphasized that while travel was irregular, Uganda should aid the trafficked victims’ return, and Russia must account for casualties.
Gender Minister Betty Amongi directed affected Ugandans to the embassy in Moscow, labeling it trafficking, mainly targeting Africans. Foreign Affairs State Minister Henry Okello-Oryem stated the government lacks capacity for repatriating illegal travelers’ remains.
A February 2026 INPACT report, ‘The Business of Despair,’ revealed over 1,000 Africans trafficked to the front, with seven Ugandans recruited and two killed. Kenya secured an agreement with Russia to halt further recruitment after high-level talks.
Experts like Frank Rusa from Cavendish University link the issue to youth unemployment, urging job creation. Kenneth Oloka of Kyeyo Initiative called for stricter oversight on outbound labor recruiters to combat corruption and weak laws.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)