The State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, has called for the arrest of Charles “Abbey” Mwesigwa, a Ugandan man accused of operating a sex-trafficking network in Dubai. His demand follows a BBC World Service investigation that exposed the alleged exploitation of Ugandan women.
“This man must be arrested. We shall work with Interpol to ensure he is brought to justice,” Balaam said on X. “The desperation of our young people for jobs should never be exploited by treating them as sex objects. Such acts are despicable.”
BBC Exposé
The BBC tracked Mwesigwa, a self-styled former London bus driver, to Jumeirah Village Circle, an upscale Dubai neighbourhood. Undercover reporters recorded him offering women for sex parties at $1,000 (Shs3.7m) per night, with higher charges for “crazy stuff.”
Investigators say he manages around 25 women, hides behind intermediaries to rent apartments and cars, and pays nightclub security to connect the women with wealthy clients, including celebrities and businessmen.
Several Ugandan women told the BBC they had been lured with promises of supermarket or hotel jobs but were forced into sex work after arrival. One woman, “Mia,” said she was told she owed $2,700 (Shs10m) upon landing — a debt that doubled within two weeks. Another, “Lexi,” recounted being offered AED 15,000 ($4,084) to endure violent sexual abuse, including being filmed while eating faeces.
Both women said their pleas for help to Dubai police were ignored.
Suspicious Deaths Linked to the Network
The report also connects Mwesigwa’s ring to the deaths of two Ugandan women in Dubai.
Monic Karungi, who died in 2022, had travelled for a supermarket job but reportedly owed Mwesigwa $27,000 (Shs101m). She died after falling from a balcony, and her body was buried in an unmarked grave in Dubai.
Kayla Birungi, who died in 2021, was initially reported by police as a drug- or alcohol-related death. However, a toxicology report seen by the BBC showed neither was in her system.
Growing Concerns Over Labour Migration
Uganda has over 165,000 labour migrants in the Gulf states, sending home more than $1.2 billion (Shs4.5 trillion) annually. But rights groups warn trafficking is rampant, with at least 88 Ugandan deaths recorded in the Middle East between 2019 and 2023.
Mariam Mwiza, who rescues victims of forced sex work, said her group has handled more than 700 abuse cases across the Gulf. “Many leave thinking they will work in supermarkets but end up sold into prostitution,” she explained.
Next Steps
Balaam said that they are going to worki with Interpol and UAE officials to ensure he faces justice. Dubai police had not commented by press time.
