Uganda’s Embassy in Moscow has released details of Ugandan nationals reported dead, missing and still serving in the Russian military amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
In a letter dated October 17, 2026, addressed to the Permanent Secretary of Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Uganda’s Ambassador to Russia, Moses K. Kizige, said the Russian government had provided information indicating that 11 Ugandans were believed to have died while serving in the Russian army in operations against Ukraine.
“It is important to note that the persons listed in this category are effectively dead but their bodies could not be located anywhere. They are also not known to be prisoners of war,” Kizige said.
The 11 Ugandans listed as dead are Ronald Bugiri, John Male, Francis Ngabirano, Innocent Agaba, Levi Kasule, Bigirwa Mugisa, Richard Twine, Moses Junior Mawejje, Pius Byamugisha, David Muyondo and Godfrey Kamugira.
The embassy also named 16 Ugandans whose status was addressed in its communication. They include Robert Maxima Tindyebwa, Darius Twebaze, Alex Katurebe, Miiro Mukasa, Eric Kwesiga, Kosia Kusima, Johnson Kakuru, Edwin Musasizi, Vicent Musisi, Nelson Mugyenyi, Alex Akanshabira, Ssekisibo David Kiwanuka, Bamutiina Henry Rwakiiziri, Stephen Muhame, William Kyoffa and Nelson Lukwita.
Ugandans still serving in Russian army
The embassy further identified five Ugandans who are reportedly still serving in the Russian military. They are Rogers Mwebaze, Evarist Barigye, Honest Mugabi, Eric Kisakye and Tenywa Ronald Samula.
Kizige said the individuals in this category would be discharged from service as their respective contracts expire.
“The Ugandans in this category shall be discharged as and when their contracts expire,” he said.
The reported cases come amid growing concerns over the recruitment of African nationals into the Russian military during the war against Ukraine. Reports from several African countries have alleged that some citizens were recruited under false pretences, only to find themselves undergoing military training and being deployed to the battlefield.
Countries whose nationals have reportedly been affected include Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Kenya, Ghana and South Africa have reportedly secured the return of some of their citizens through diplomatic engagement with Russian authorities.
The latest information from Uganda’s embassy highlights the risks facing Ugandans recruited into foreign military service and raises further questions about the circumstances of their recruitment, the welfare of those still serving, and efforts to establish the whereabouts of missing nationals.
