MOSCOW - The Ugandan Embassy in Moscow has confirmed that 14 Ugandans who were recruited into the Russian army died in the line of duty, while 16 are “effectively dead, but their bodies could not be located anywhere.”

According to an October 17 letter signed by Uganda’s Ambassador to Russia, Moses Kizige, only five out of the total number that was recruited are still serving in the army, while one Ugandan identified as Robert Tumwebaze, was dismissed.

“I wrote to the Russian Federation Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on August 19, requesting for information on the status of persons whose passport details I received

On October 8th, 2026, through Note Verbal No:/3F-&/NDGA(JS), they replied to my request and provided the following information: The following Ugandans were pronounced and confirmed dead: Bugiri Ronald, Male John, Ngabirano Francis, Agaba Innocent, Kasule Levi, Mugisha Bigirwa, Twine Richard, Mawejje Junior Moses, Byamugisha Pius, Buyondo David and Kamugira Godfrey,” the letter read.

He said three other Ugandans, Baker Mwesigye, Alex Mutesigensi and Edson Kamwesigye had earlier been confirmed dead by the Russian Ministry of Defence, but the registered bereaved relatives are yet to be informed.

For those whose whereabouts are unknown, the Ambassador revealed that the search for bodies of 16 "effectively dead,” Ugandans had proved unsuccessful.

Those listed as effectively dead and missing are: Maxima Tindyebwa, Darius Twebaze, Alex Katurebe, Miro Mukasa, Eric Kwesiga, Kosia Kusima, Johnson Kakuru, Edwin Musasizi, Vincent Musisi, Nelson Mugyenyi, Alex Akanshabira, David Kiwanuka Sekisibo, Henry Rwaziiri Bamutiina, Stephen Muhame, William Kyoffa and Nelson Lukwita.

The Ambassador revealed that five other Ugandans still serving would be discharged when their contracts expire. He identified them as: Rogers Mwebaze, Evarist Barigye, Honest Mugabi, Eric Kisakye and Ronald Samula Tenywa.

For Tumwebaze, who is reported to have been dismissed, the Ambassador stated that he was sent to the embassy from a military hospital in Nizhni Novgorod, but he disappeared at a railway station while returning to his base without armed escort.

Uganda’s Ambassador to Russia Moses Kizige

Uganda’s Ambassador to Russia Moses Kizige

Contact families

The Ambassador requested Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to contact the families of the deceased persons so that their benefits are processed.

He requested families who want to trace their relatives believed to be in Russia to share their passport details with the embassy in Moscow.

Parliament

The development comes 12 days after Parliament asked the Government to explain the circumstances under which 121 Ugandans ended up in the Russian army.

In his statement to Parliament, Rukiga County MP Patrick Katabazi Kiconco on October 12, 2026, said dozens of Ugandans had died, while others remained prisoners of war, injured or hospitalised due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

According to Katabazi, Ugandans who travelled to Russia after reportedly being promised civilian jobs end up in military service and, in some cases, deployed to the frontline in Ukraine.

The Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Oboth, however, informed him that Government had taken note of the matter and would respond.

Katabazi tabled in the House a list of 48 Ugandans he said were reportedly killed on the Russia-Ukraine frontline but were yet to be verified, three prisoners of war held in Ukraine, and seven currently receiving treatment in Russian hospitals.

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