Ugandan Man Behind Dubai Sex-Trafficking Ring Faces Arrest, Minister Vows Justice
Uganda’s Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, has moved decisively to bring to justice Charles “Abbey” Mwesigwa, a Ugandan man allegedly running a sex-trafficking network in Dubai that has exploited young women, some fatally.
“This gentleman, featured in the investigative @BBCWorld story, must be arrested. We shall work with @Interpol to ensure he is brought to justice,” Balaam wrote on X, condemning the exploitation of vulnerable Ugandan youth.
“The desperation of our young people for income and employment should never be exploited by treating them as sex objects. Such acts are despicable,” he added.
Undercover Investigation Exposes Alleged Network
The BBC World Service traced Mwesigwa to Jumeirah Village Circle, a middle-class area in Dubai, where he reportedly operates his network. Claiming to be a former London bus driver, Mwesigwa was filmed by undercover reporters posing as event organisers offering women for sex parties at $1,000 (UGX 3.7m) per night, with higher rates for “crazy stuff.”
According to journalist Runako Celina, Mwesigwa allegedly controls around 25 women and uses intermediaries’ names to rent apartments and vehicles. Former associate Troy told the BBC that nightclub security staff are bribed to allow women access to wealthy clients, including celebrities and businessmen.
Victims’ Harrowing Accounts
Several Ugandan women revealed how they were deceived with promises of legitimate work abroad, only to be coerced into sex work.
“Mia,” a victim whose name has been changed for safety, recounted: “That means you have to work hard, hard, hard, pleading for men to come and sleep with you.” She said she was informed upon arrival that she owed $2,700 (UGX 10m), a debt that doubled within just two weeks.
Another victim, “Lexi,” disclosed she was offered AED 15,000 ($4,084) to endure gang rape, urination, and be filmed eating faeces. She claimed Dubai police dismissed her complaints, telling her: “You Africans cause problems for each other. We don’t want to get involved.”
Fatal Outcomes
The investigation also linked Mwesigwa’s network to the deaths of two Ugandan women in Dubai.
Kayla Birungi died in 2021 under suspicious circumstances; a toxicology report reviewed by the BBC showed no drugs or alcohol in her system, contradicting initial police claims. In 2022, Monic Karungi, who had travelled from western Uganda expecting supermarket work, fell from a balcony after reportedly owing Mwesigwa more than $27,000 (UGX 101m). Her body was never repatriated and is believed to lie in an unmarked grave in Dubai’s Al Qusais Cemetery.
Broader Labour Migration Risks
Uganda currently has over 165,000 labour migrants in the Gulf, sending home more than $1.2 billion (UGX 4.5 trillion) annually. Yet human rights organisations warn that trafficking and forced labour are rampant, with at least 88 Ugandans reported dead in the Middle East between 2019 and 2023.
Mariam Mwiza, an activist supporting rescued victims, said: “We get cases of people who were promised supermarket jobs and end up sold as prostitutes.” Her organisation has handled over 700 abuse cases from the Gulf region.
Accused Denies Allegations
Despite the evidence, Mwesigwa dismisses the claims, insisting he only “invites big spenders” to parties and denies involvement in prostitution. Meanwhile, Minister Balaam Barugahara says the government will collaborate with Interpol and UAE authorities to ensure he is held accountable.
