UGANDAN MAN REVEALS HOW HE WAS FORCED INTO RUSSIAN ARMY AFTER BEING LURED WITH JOB PROMISES
A 43-year-old Ugandan father of two has narrated how he was lured to Russia with promises of civilian employment, only to be forced at gunpoint to join the Russian army before escaping and surrendering to Ukrainian forces.
Richard Akantorana, a native of Uganda who previously worked as a cleaner and boda boda rider in Kampala, says his search for better opportunities abroad turned into a terrifying ordeal.
Akantorana, who reportedly earned about $50 per month from his previous jobs, travelled to Russia after being promised civilian employment. However, upon arrival, he claims he was forced at gunpoint to join the Russian military alongside other Ugandans.
Fearing for his life, Akantorana eventually escaped and surrendered to Ukraine’s 63rd Mechanized Brigade near Lyman, in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine.