Africans Lured by Job Offers End Up in Russia’s Military Amid Ukraine War

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Africans Lured by Job Offers End Up in Russia’s Military Amid Ukraine War

The growing presence of Africans in the Russia Ukraine War has exposed a troubling pattern of deception, broken promises and cross-border exploitation. Across several African countries, job seekers have reported being recruited through what appeared to be legitimate employment offers in Russia, only to later discover that their contracts tied them to military service or war-related duties. As investigations continue, the issue has raised urgent questions about illegal recruitment networks, weak labour migration safeguards, and the responsibility of governments to protect citizens seeking opportunities abroad.

False Job Promises Lead to Frontline Combat

Investigations by The Washington Post and The Guardian found that hundreds of people from Kenya and other African nations were contacted through job adverts and recruitment agencies that offered attractive employment opportunities in Russia. Many recruits believed they were headed for civilian work or training programs when they signed contracts, often without full understanding of the language or terms.

Once in Russia, many discovered that the paperwork they signed was actually a military enlistment contract. Several recruits reported receiving only very basic training before being deployed toward the front lines of the Ukraine war, where injuries and deaths have occurred.

Eyewitness Accounts Highlight Danger

Survivors and captured fighters have described being thrust into frontline positions with minimal preparation. One young Kenyan reportedly signed up expecting to work as a driver or technician, only to be issued military fatigues and sent into combat zones.

Such stories echo across countries: reports also mention South Africans who ended up in trenches under fire and who say they were recruited under false pretenses.

Kenya Raises the Alarm

The Kenyan government has publicly acknowledged the issue. Officials estimate that over 200 Kenyans have already joined the Russian side in the Ukraine conflict after being recruited through misleading methods.

Security forces in Kenya have also taken action against alleged recruitment networks. In a raid near Nairobi, police rescued about 21 people who were about to be processed for travel to Russia under promises of work, only for authorities to realise they were being trafficked toward military enlistment. A suspected recruiter was arrested in connection with the scheme.

Recruitment Tactics and Misleading Contracts

Many of the schemes operate through social media job adverts, unofficial employment agencies, and promises of high pay. Some supposed employment offers included contracts written in Russian — a language recipients could not understand — meaning victims unwittingly agreed to military service or other roles tied to the war.

Reports indicate that some job seekers were asked to pay substantial fees for visas and travel arrangements that never delivered the work they expected, leaving them trapped in dangerous situations abroad.

Broader Regional Impact

While Kenya has been one of the most discussed cases, similar reports have appeared in other countries. Governments in parts of Africa — and beyond — are investigating cases of citizens trafficked under fake job offers. For example, a Ugandan man recently appealed for help to return home after being misled about employment in Russia and ending up in its armed forces.

Elsewhere, reports about Bangladeshis and other foreign workers also show a pattern of being lured into Russia under false civilian job promises and then being pushed into positions connected to the war.

International Concerns and Government Responses

Ukraine’s authorities have suggested that more than 1,400 people from about three dozen African countries may be fighting for Russia, including many who were allegedly recruited through deceptive methods.

In response, some African governments are now issuing warnings to citizens about employment offers in Russia and urging caution when considering overseas job placements. Diplomatic efforts to track and protect nationals abroad are ongoing.

The unfolding stories of Africans in the Russia Ukraine War are not just about a distant conflict — they reveal how economic vulnerability, online recruitment scams and poorly regulated labour channels can place ordinary people in life-threatening situations. As African governments strengthen investigations and issue public warnings, the wider challenge remains clear: protecting job seekers from deceptive international recruiters and ensuring that migration for work does not become a hidden pathway into war.

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of Libya’s former leader, has been killed

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi — who was once the most prominent son and possible successor of Libya’s long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi — has been shot dead in Libya, according to family sources, his lawyer, his political team and local media reports.

He was killed at his home in Zintan, a town in western Libya about 136 km southwest of Tripoli. Reports say four armed men entered his house and shot him after first turning off the security cameras, though many details about who was responsible and why remain unclear. Libyan prosecutors have launched a formal investigation into the killing.

Saif al-Islam was 53 years old. Born in Tripoli in 1972, he studied in the United Kingdom and earned a PhD from the London School of Economics. Early in his life he was seen as a possible reformer and diplomat within his father’s government. But when protests erupted across Libya in 2011 during the Arab Spring, he helped lead his family’s efforts to resist the revolution, which led to violent clashes.

After the uprising toppled Muammar Gaddafi, Saif al-Islam tried to flee the country. He was later captured by fighters and held in Zintan for several years. In a controversial trial, a Libyan court sentenced him to death in absentia for his role in the crackdown during the uprising, and the International Criminal Court (ICC) also charged him with crimes against humanity. He was released in 2017 under an amnesty, and since then had lived in Zintan.

In 2021, he tried to run for president of Libya, a move that was heavily criticized and ultimately blocked. Ongoing disagreements over elections and political reform have kept Libya deeply divided and unstable in the years since his father’s fall.

His death is a dramatic moment in Libya’s turbulent recent history, coming as the country continues to struggle with internal political divisions and competing armed groups.

The Most Subscribed YouTube Channels in the World (2026)

YouTube is the biggest video platform in the world — and some channels are massive, with hundreds of millions of people choosing to follow them. These channels cover everything from crazy challenges and fun reactions to music videos and kids’ cartoons.

Let’s break down the top channels by number of subscribers — the people who have the most followers on YouTube in 2026 👇

🏆 1. MrBeast

Subscribers: ~458 million — the most on YouTube!
Type of content: Big challenges, giveaways, stunt-style videos, charity stuff
Why he’s #1: MrBeast (real name Jimmy Donaldson) became the top-subscribed channel after a long race with India’s music network T-Series. His videos are loud, exciting, and designed to be shared — like crazy challenges and huge giveaways that grab attention around the world.

MrBeast makes content people want to watch again and again — and lots of people choose to subscribe so they never miss a new video!

🥈 2. T-Series

Subscribers: ~308 million
Type of content: Music videos and film trailers
T-Series is a big Indian music label. They upload tons of songs, film music, and video clips — mostly in Hindi and other Indian languages. Even though MrBeast is now #1, T-Series stays extremely popular because music is enjoyed everywhere.

🧒 3. Cocomelon – Nursery Rhymes

Subscribers: ~199 million
This channel makes animated nursery rhymes and kids’ songs. Little kids and families love it, and videos are watched again and again, which helps it rack up loads of subscribers.

📺 4. SET India

Subscribers: ~188 million
This is Sony Entertainment Television’s India channel — it uploads TV episodes, clips, and shows. Tons of Hindi-language entertainment for viewers across India and the world.

🎮 5. Vlad and Niki

Subscribers: ~148 million
A kids’ entertainment channel featuring brothers Vlad and Niki playing games, having adventures, and doing family-friendly fun.

🎉 6. Kids Diana Show

Subscribers: ~138 million
Another children’s channel with toys, games, stories, and fun videos for younger kids.

💥 7. Stokes Twins

Subscribers: ~134 million
These twin creators make funny videos, pranks, challenges, and short internet clips that appeal to teens and young adults.

🌟 8. Like Nastya

Subscribers: ~131 million
One of the most popular kids’ channels, featuring child-friendly adventures, playtime, and storytelling.

🇰🇷 9. 김프로KIMPRO

Subscribers: ~127 million
A South Korean channel known for comedy, fun skits, and eating-show videos. It’s one of the biggest channels from Korea ever.

🎵 10. Zee Music Company

Subscribers: ~121 million
Another major Indian music channel with songs, film music, and video clips.

Why These Channels Are So Huge

Even though the most subscribed channel changes slowly over time, a few patterns stay the same:

✔ Variety of content

  • Music and entertainment channels reach global audiences.
  • Kids’ channels are watched repeatedly, which boosts subscriber numbers.

✔ Big personalities

  • People like MrBeast because his videos are exciting, unpredictable, and fun to share.

✔ YouTube availability everywhere

  • YouTube works around the world, so content in different languages can still get tons of followers.

Quick Summary

RankChannelApprox. Subscribers
😄 1MrBeast~458 M
🎶 2T-Series~308 M
🧒 3Cocomelon~199 M
📺 4SET India~188 M
👦 5Vlad and Niki~148 M
🧸 6Kids Diana Show~138 M
🤣 7Stokes Twins~134 M
✨ 8Like Nastya~131 M
🇰🇷 9KIMPRO~127 M
🎵 10Zee Music Company~121 M
Free Birth and Death Certificates Kenya

Government Set to Make Birth, Death Certificates Free as Services Are Decentralised

The government is considering scrapping application fees for birth certificates as part of a broader push to boost civil registration nationwide, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced.

Speaking on Wednesday during the commissioning of the Assistant County Commissioner’s office in Inoi Division, Kirinyaga County, Murkomen said President William Ruto is expected to make the final decision after consultations with key stakeholders.

According to the CS, the proposal follows the successful waiver of national identity card registration fees, which led to a sharp increase in applications.

“Once consultations are concluded, the President will make a pronouncement. This will be similar to the waiver of ID registration fees, to help us document more births in line with the government’s manifesto,” Murkomen said.

He noted that high costs and long distances to registration offices have historically prevented many Kenyans—especially those in rural areas—from obtaining birth certificates.

In addition, Murkomen announced the decentralisation of civil registration services to make them more accessible. Under the new plan, birth and death registration services will be offered at Constituency ID registration centres across the country.

“We have agreed to decentralise civil registration offices to all constituencies so that more people can register and access these essential documents,” he said.

The move is expected to ease access to documents required for school enrolment, healthcare, employment, and other government services.

Currently, under the Births and Deaths Registration Rules gazetted by the Ministry of Interior, a standard birth certificate costs Ksh200, up from the previous Ksh50. The same fee applies to death certificates.

Late registration—defined as registering a birth or death more than six months after the event—attracts a fee of Ksh500. Re-registration, including replacement of lost certificates or amendments such as name corrections, costs Ksh1,000.

In October last year, the government also announced a six-month waiver on fees for replacing national identity cards and updating personal details, aimed at improving access to identification documents.

MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson): A Detailed Biography

James Stephen Donaldson, widely known as MrBeast, is one of the most influential digital creators and entrepreneurs of the modern era. Rising from a small-town background in the United States, he transformed YouTube from a platform for casual entertainment into a vehicle for large-scale innovation, philanthropy, and business. Through record-breaking content, data-driven creativity, and an unprecedented commitment to reinvesting success into impact, MrBeast has redefined what it means to be a creator in the global digital economy. His work sits at the intersection of media, entrepreneurship, and social good, making him a defining figure of the internet generation.

Full Name

James Stephen Donaldson

Popular Name

MrBeast (also known earlier as MrBeast6000)

Date of Birth

May 7, 1998

Age

27 years (as of 2026)

Nationality

American

Early Life and Background

Jimmy Donaldson was born in Wichita, Kansas, United States, and raised primarily in Greenville, North Carolina. He grew up in a middle‑class household and showed early curiosity about technology, video games, and the internet. As a teenager, he became fascinated by YouTube—not as entertainment alone, but as a system he could study, decode, and eventually dominate.

Unlike many creators who stumble into success, Jimmy approached YouTube analytically. He spent thousands of hours studying viral videos, titles, thumbnails, watch time metrics, and audience psychology. By his own accounts, he treated YouTube like a science experiment long before it paid him anything.

He graduated from Greenville Christian Academy and briefly attended college but dropped out early to pursue YouTube full‑time—against conventional advice and with little initial success.

Entry into YouTube (2012–2016)

MrBeast created his first YouTube channel in 2012 at the age of 13. His early videos included:

  • Gaming content (especially Minecraft and Call of Duty)
  • Commentary on other YouTubers
  • Low‑budget experiments and challenges

For several years, growth was slow. Many videos earned only a few hundred views. Despite this, Jimmy remained obsessively consistent, uploading frequently while reinvesting any small earnings back into better equipment and ideas.

The turning point came when he began producing extreme, unusual, and endurance‑based content that no one else was attempting at scale.

Breakthrough and Viral Fame (2017–2019)

MrBeast’s major breakthrough came in 2017 with a video where he counted to 100,000 on camera, a feat that took over 40 hours. The video went viral and introduced the world to his signature style:

  • Absurd commitment
  • Simple but extreme concepts
  • Long watch times

From there, his channel exploded with videos such as:

  • Watching paint dry for hours
  • Saying a word tens of thousands of times
  • Donating large sums of money to strangers

He soon became known not just for challenges, but for giving away money, cars, houses, and entire businesses.

Rise of Philanthropy

As his income grew, MrBeast made a defining choice: instead of keeping profits, he would give most of it away publicly.

This strategy was not only charitable—it was revolutionary for content creation.

Major Philanthropic Initiatives

  • Team Trees (2019): Raised over $20 million to plant 20+ million trees worldwide
  • Team Seas (2021): Raised over $30 million to remove trash from oceans and waterways
  • Beast Philanthropy: A dedicated channel and organization providing food, housing, medical aid, and disaster relief

MrBeast’s philanthropy turned generosity into entertainment while delivering real‑world impact.

Business Empire: Beast Industries

MrBeast gradually transformed from a YouTuber into a full‑scale entrepreneur.

Key Ventures

1. YouTube Channels

  • MrBeast
  • MrBeast Gaming
  • MrBeast Reacts
  • Beast Philanthropy
  • International language‑dubbed channels

2. Feastables A consumer‑goods company focused on chocolate and snacks, rapidly scaling into global retail markets.

3. MrBeast Burger A virtual restaurant brand that expanded to thousands of locations worldwide (later restructured due to operational disputes).

4. Media & Production High‑budget productions rivaling television game shows, including large‑scale competitive formats and reality‑style content.

Collectively, these ventures operate under Beast Industries, which employs hundreds of people and reinvests heavily into content creation.

Lifestyle and Personal Philosophy

Despite his immense wealth, MrBeast is known for a relatively modest personal lifestyle. He has stated publicly that he reinvests most of his earnings into future videos, businesses, and philanthropy rather than personal luxury.

His guiding principles include:

  • Reinvestment over consumption
  • Long‑term thinking
  • Audience trust
  • Scale as a moral amplifier (more reach = more good)

He has also spoken openly about managing Crohn’s disease, showing discipline in diet and work habits.

Family and Relationships

MrBeast keeps much of his family life private.

  • Mother: Susan (Sue) Donaldson
  • Father: Private
  • Siblings:
    • Brother: CJ Donaldson (also a YouTuber)

He has been in a long‑term relationship with Thea Booysen, a content creator and author from South Africa. As of recent reports, he is not married and has no children.

Net Worth and Financial Reality

As of 2026, estimates place MrBeast’s net worth in the hundreds of millions to over one billion USD, depending on how business valuations are calculated.

Important context:

  • Much of his wealth is not liquid cash
  • The majority is tied up in companies, production infrastructure, and future projects
  • He often states he keeps relatively little personal cash on hand

On paper, his business empire is valued far higher than his personal lifestyle suggests.

Influence and Legacy

MrBeast is widely regarded as:

  • One of the most influential YouTubers in history
  • A pioneer of high‑budget digital content
  • A blueprint for creator‑led philanthropy

He has reshaped what it means to be an internet creator, proving that:

  • Online content can rival traditional media
  • Generosity can be scalable
  • Algorithms reward authenticity and ambition

Jimmy Donaldson’s story is not simply about fame or money—it is about obsession, systems thinking, and using scale for impact. From a teenager studying YouTube in a bedroom to the head of a global media and philanthropy empire, MrBeast represents a new kind of entrepreneur: one built entirely inside the internet.

His journey is still unfolding, and if his past is any indication, his greatest influence may still lie ahead.

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky: From Friends to a Family Power Couple

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have become one of music and culture’s most talked-about couples, evolving from long-time friends to co-parents of three children while maintaining high-profile careers in music, fashion, and business.

How It All Started

Rihanna (Robyn Fenty) and A$AP Rocky (Rakim Athelaston Mayers) first crossed paths in the early 2010s, appearing together on stage and building a friendship that would span years before romance blossomed. Their chemistry was noticeable early on, but they didn’t officially begin dating until around late 2019, after years of mutual admiration and collaboration.

In interviews, Rocky has shared that his mother always thought Rihanna would be a great match for him, saying she encouraged him to date her long before they became a couple.

Becoming Parents and Building a Family

Since publicly confirming their relationship in 2020, the couple has steadily built a family. They welcomed their first son, RZA Athelston Mayers, in May 2022, followed by their second son, Riot Rose, in August 2023, and most recently their daughter Rocki Irish Mayers in September 2025.

Parenthood has clearly deepened their bond. Rocky has spoken candidly about how being a “girl dad” has impacted him emotionally, especially with the arrival of Rocki, describing her as taking over the household with her energetic presence.

Despite the demands of parenting three young children, the pair emphasise the importance of nurturing their relationship. Rocky has explained that part of what keeps them close is intentionally making time for fun and connection, such as date nights and playful activities like card and music games.

Relationship and Public Image

Although neither Rihanna nor Rocky has publicly confirmed being legally married, Rocky has playfully referred to himself as Rihanna’s “loving husband” in interviews, fuelling speculation about their marital status.

The couple continues to make public appearances together, often coordinated in high-fashion looks at events, concerts, and celebrations — like Rocky’s performances and after-parties, where Rihanna has been seen supporting him in designer outfits.

Balancing Careers, Family, and Influence

Rihanna has not released a full album in years, focusing much of her energy on her business ventures like Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin, and fashion projects. Meanwhile, Rocky returned to music with his album Don’t Be Dumb, where their family and life together have influenced his artistic perspective.

Their dynamic reflects a modern power couple who balance personal life with professional pursuits. In interviews, both have emphasised how they support each other’s passions, whether that’s Rocky backing Rihanna’s entrepreneurship or Rihanna attending Rocky’s performances.

From Creative Circles to a Lasting Bond

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s story didn’t begin with romance—it began with mutual respect. Long before headlines and red carpets, the two moved in overlapping creative spaces, bonding over music, fashion, and a shared understanding of fame. Their early interactions were casual, grounded in friendship rather than spectacle, which quietly laid the foundation for something deeper.

When Friendship Turned Into Love

For years, fans speculated, but it wasn’t until around 2020 that their relationship became undeniable. What stood out wasn’t public grandstanding, but how naturally they fit together. Rihanna later described Rocky as her “best friend,” a phrase that captured why their transition from friends to partners felt organic rather than forced by celebrity culture.

Building a Family Away From the Spotlight

As their bond deepened, the couple made a conscious decision to protect what mattered most. Parenthood changed their priorities, and instead of oversharing, they leaned into privacy. While their public appearances as a family are rare, the message is consistent: stability over spectacle. Their approach has redefined what a modern celebrity family can look like—present, intentional, and grounded.

Marriage Speculation and Why They Move at Their Own Pace

Despite constant speculation about marriage, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have never allowed public pressure to dictate their timeline. They’ve been clear through action rather than statements: commitment doesn’t need constant validation. Their relationship reflects confidence, not urgency—a quiet rebellion against the expectation that celebrity milestones must follow a script.

Rihanna’s Billion-Dollar Business Empire

Beyond music, Rihanna has reshaped the global beauty and fashion industries. Her ventures, particularly in cosmetics and lingerie, transformed her from a pop icon into one of the wealthiest self-made women in entertainment. Today, her net worth is estimated at over $1.4 billion, making her the financial powerhouse of the partnership. Importantly, her wealth is rooted in ownership and brand control—not just endorsements.

A$AP Rocky’s Creative Wealth and Cultural Influence

A$AP Rocky’s net worth, estimated at around $20–30 million, reflects a different but equally impactful path. Music laid the foundation, but fashion, brand collaborations, and creative direction expanded his influence. Rocky’s value lies not just in numbers, but in cultural relevance—he’s a tastemaker whose credibility transcends charts and trends.

Why Their Financial Dynamic Works

What makes their partnership compelling isn’t comparison, but complementarity. Rihanna’s business dominance and Rocky’s creative edge coexist without competition. There’s no visible power struggle—only mutual admiration. In an industry where ego often fractures relationships, their balance stands out.

A Modern Power Couple Defined by Stability, Not Hype

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky represent a new kind of power couple—one defined less by noise and more by intention. Their story is about evolution: from friendship to love, from individual success to shared purpose. In a culture obsessed with excess, they’ve chosen something rarer—authenticity.

What’s Next for the Couple

With three children and thriving careers, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky continue to attract media and fan interest, from fashion statements on global stages to playful insights into family life. They’ve shown that maintaining a deep connection — through laughter, creativity, and intentional time together — helps them navigate the pressures of fame and parenthood.

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s relationship has grown from long-term friendship into a deeply rooted partnership that blends family life, artistic expression, and cultural influence. As parents of three and collaborators in public life, they remain one of the most admired and watched celebrity couples today.

KRA WhatsApp Tax Filing Service Now Available for 15 Tax Functions

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has launched a new KRA WhatsApp Tax Filing Service, allowing taxpayers to file tax returns and access other key services without visiting KRA offices.

Commissioner General Humphrey Wattaga announced on Thursday, January 22, that the WhatsApp chatbot now offers 15 KRA services, including tax filing, and is available 24/7.

To use the KRA WhatsApp Tax Filing Service, Kenyans must save the official KRA WhatsApp number +254 711 099 999 and send “Hi” or “Menu” to start the chat. The chatbot will guide users through identity verification and then display the list of available services.

The service includes functions such as PIN management, tax information and queries, eTIMS invoicing, tax return assistance, and digital self-service.

For tax filing, the bot provides a step-by-step guide on how to submit returns through the iTax portal and highlights the required documents and details.

“You can file returns via WhatsApp and through the web. Just ask a query via our 24-hour WhatsApp chatbot, where we have 15 services that can be served through our WhatsApp platform,” Wattaga said.

He added that KRA is implementing a second technological upgrade to enhance the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics for tax management.

KRA Chairman Ndiriitu Muriithi said modernising the authority’s IT systems is essential for improving efficiency, increasing revenue collection, and reducing paper-based processes.

“KRA remains optimistic about meeting the overall revenue target for the Financial Year 2025/26, which stands at Kshs 2.968 trillion,” Muriithi said, noting that this represents a 15.4% increase over the previous year’s collection.

The announcement follows the launch of a new USSD service two weeks earlier, which allows taxpayers using basic phones to access key KRA services by dialing *222#.

KRA said the USSD platform was introduced to support taxpayers who may lack smartphones, reliable internet, or digital skills required to use platforms like iTax or eTIMS.

The new KRA WhatsApp Tax Filing Service marks a significant step in modernising tax administration in Kenya, making it easier for taxpayers to file returns and access services anytime, anywhere.

U.S. Senator Risch Calls for U.S. Sanctions on General Muhoozi, Urges Review of Uganda Security Ties

U.S. Senator Jim Risch, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has urged President Donald Trump to impose U.S. sanctions on General Muhoozi Kainerugaba following reports of extreme violence during Uganda’s recently concluded 2026 General Elections.

In a statement released on Friday, Senator Risch called for a full reassessment of U.S. security ties with Uganda, citing a sharp decline in human rights and growing political repression. His statement came just hours before opposition leader Bobi Wine reported that masked, armed soldiers had broken into his home and attacked his family.

“A group of masked, armed soldiers has just broken into our house and beaten up my family members. They have currently isolated my wife, Barbie Kyagulanyi, alone. Their intentions are unclear,” Bobi Wine said in a statement at around midnight on Saturday.

The calls for U.S. sanctions on General Muhoozi come after Uganda’s Electoral Commission declared President Yoweri Museveni the winner with 7.9 million votes, securing a contested seventh term in the January 15 elections.

While Museveni officially received 71.65% of the vote, his main challenger, Bobi Wine, secured about 2.7 million votes amid accusations of widespread electoral fraud.

The U.S. has also expressed concern that Uganda’s political instability could spill over into neighbouring Kenya and Ethiopia, potentially destabilising the East African Community (EAC) region.

Read Also : Uganda’s Election 2026 Aftermath: Power Retained, Democracy Deferred, and the Question of Succession

General Muhoozi sparked international outrage after claiming responsibility for killing 22 National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters, describing them as terrorists in a chilling social media post.

“We will kill on sight all the NUP so-called foot soldiers. Until Mzee says otherwise,” Muhoozi wrote. He added, “We have killed 22 NUP terrorists since last week. I’m praying the 23rd is Kabobi.”

Senator Risch described the election as a “hollow exercise” aimed at legitimising Museveni’s prolonged rule, drawing parallels with democratic backsliding in Tanzania.

“Uganda’s elections – like the recent elections in Tanzania – were a hollow exercise, staged to legitimise President Yoweri Museveni’s seventh term and four decades in power,” Risch said. “Yet, Uganda is a key regional security partner to the United States. The regime prioritises domestic control through political violence, abductions, imprisonment, intimidation of opponents, and misuse of state resources.”

The election period was also marked by the arrest of 2,000 people and a nationwide internet shutdown ordered by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) on January 13, which prevented independent observers from verifying results.

Biometric Voter Verification Kits reportedly malfunctioned, forcing manual counting that critics say allowed for ballot stuffing.

Regional observers have warned that if the U.S. withdraws security funding, it could create a security vacuum that might empower extremist groups, potentially affecting Kenya’s national security and cross-border trade.

Read Also: Uganda Election 2026: Museveni vs Bobi Wine and the Battle for the Nation’s Future

The National Bureau for NGOs in Uganda further restricted transparency by suspending six major human rights organisations and arresting prominent election monitors like Dr. Sarah Bireete.

As the international community weighs its response, the Ugandan government maintains that these measures were necessary to protect national security during the voting period.

The push for U.S. sanctions on General Muhoozi highlights growing global pressure on Uganda’s government and raises questions about the future of security cooperation between Uganda and its Western partners.

Newsly KE
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