Ugandan Government Confirms Russians Are Recruiting the Country’s Citizens for the War Against Ukraine ...

The Ugandan government confirmed that Russians are recruiting the country’s citizens for the war against Ukraine.

Uganda’s Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vincent Bagiire, met with relatives of the men who ended up in the Russian army. They told him that the illegal recruitment is being handled by a certain Dmitry, assisted by two women, Esther and Anna. In addition, according to them, Uganda’s diplomatic mission in Russia, when approached by recruited compatriots for help, passes their information to the Russian authorities.

Bagiire instructed Uganda’s ambassador to Russia, Moses Kizige, to conduct an internal investigation and assist those Ugandans who want to return home. The ambassador, for his part, confirmed the recruitment of Ugandan citizens by Russians, but denied the embassy’s involvement:

“It is true that they are there. The Ugandan government and the embassy are in no way involved in their recruitment. They have valid contracts for service in the Russian army, for signing which they were paid”

Pressure from the relatives of the recruited men and public outcry are important and effective ways of influencing the Russian side. Actions and rallies demanding that the authorities help bring the men back home set off a chain of diplomatic pressure on Moscow. As a result, the Russian Ministry of Defense has already stopped or significantly reduced recruitment in 14 African countries.

☝️ We remind citizens of foreign states: participation in the war on the side of the Russian army carries a high risk of death or serious injury. If someone is trying to recruit you to take part in combat operations against Ukraine, or if you have already ended up in the ranks of Russian troops, contact the “I Want to Live” project. We will help you stay alive and surrender safely.

➡️ Save your life and surrender: t.me/kak\sdatsya\bot

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