A video posted online last month shows Ugandan men in military uniform singing in a snow-covered forest.
A Russian voice behind the camera mocks them as “disposable” and predicts they will soon sing differently.
Uganda has emerged as the latest African country confronting allegations of forced recruitment for Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Investigations by Agence France-Presse and other outlets have already stirred anger in Kenya and South Africa.
Uganda has maintained close ties with Moscow during President Yoweri Museveni’s four decades in power.
Kampala has purchased Russian military equipment and abstained from United Nations votes condemning the invasion of Ukraine.
In March 2023, Museveni’s son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, declared Uganda would defend Moscow if threatened by “Imperialists.”
Uganda is known for highly trained troops deployed to Somalia and veterans working for private security firms abroad.
An official from the Special Returnees Association said Russian agents had recently targeted its 20,000 members.
He said some veterans were offered jobs in Israel but diverted instead to Russia.
He knew of more than 10 who travelled, three of whom later died.
In August, nine men were intercepted at Entebbe International Airport en route to Russia, an intelligence source said.
They were reportedly among more than 100 Ugandans with military experience covertly recruited in waves.
A Russian national arrested in connection with the case was later released, and investigations have stalled.
Ugandan broadcaster NTV Uganda aired an interview with a widow whose husband died in Ukraine.
State minister Okello Oryem said the government could not intervene in repatriating bodies.
Another recruit, Richard Akantoran, was rescued by Ukrainian forces after escaping his Russian unit.
He said he was promised civilian work but forced to sign military papers at gunpoint.
In February 2024, Uganda shared a message from the Russian ambassador promoting “unlimited opportunities” in Russia.
“Don’t fall in the trap,” Akantoran warned, calling the promises a deadly lie.