Entebbe, Uganda – Security personnel at Entebbe International Airport on Tuesday intercepted nine Ugandan men suspected of being recruited as mercenaries to fight alongside Ukrainian forces against Russia, police sources have revealed.
The group, all with military backgrounds, were reportedly booked to fly to Moscow under the pretense of taking up high-paying security guard jobs. However, authorities believe their true intention was to transit through Russia before joining the conflict in Ukraine.
Recruitment by Shadowy Company
According to TheBriefPost, the detained men are allegedly part of a larger network of over 100 Ugandans recruited by a little-known private security firm called MAGNIT. Police sources say the company has been actively targeting former soldiers and security personnel with promises of lucrative overseas contracts.
“The suspects admitted they were heading to work as security guards, but our intelligence suggests a different mission,” said a senior security official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Growing Concerns Over Mercenary Recruitment
This incident raises fresh concerns about Ugandan nationals being lured into foreign conflicts under false pretenses. Last year, reports emerged of Ugandan fighters being deployed in Libya and other war zones, often through deceptive recruitment schemes.
If confirmed, this would mark the first known case of Ugandans being recruited to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war, now in its third year. Both sides have relied on foreign fighters, though Kyiv has been more open about welcoming international volunteers.
Government Response Pending
Uganda’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has yet to issue an official statement, but security agencies are reportedly investigating MAGNIT’s operations.
“Any Ugandan participating in foreign wars without state authorization is breaking the law,” said a military spokesperson. “We are taking this matter seriously.”
What’s Next for the Detained Men?
The nine intercepted individuals are currently being held for further questioning. Authorities are working to determine whether they were aware of the alleged deception or were themselves victims of a recruitment scam.
As the probe continues, questions remain about who is behind MAGNIT and how many more Ugandans may have already been sent to conflict zones.
