The State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, has called for the immediate arrest of Charles “Abbey” Mwesigwa, a Ugandan national accused of operating a sex trafficking network in Dubai.
His call follows a BBC World Service investigation that exposed the alleged exploitation of Ugandan women under false promises of employment.
“This man must be arrested. We shall work with Interpol to ensure he is brought to justice,the desperation of our young people for jobs should never be exploited by treating them as sex objects. Such acts are despicable.”Balaam posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The BBC investigation tracked Mwesigwa who claims to be a former London bus driver to Jumeirah Village Circle, an upscale neighborhood in Dubai.
Undercover reporters recorded him offering women for sex parties at $1,000 (approx. Shs3.7 million) per night, with higher rates for extreme acts.
According to the report, Mwesigwa allegedly manages a network of around 25 women, uses intermediaries to rent properties and vehicles, and pays nightclub bouncers to connect his “workers” with wealthy clients, including businessmen and celebrities.
Several Ugandan women interviewed said they had been deceived with job offers in supermarkets and hotels but were forced into sex work upon arrival.
One woman, using the alias “Mia,” said she was handed a $2,700 (Shs10 million) debt immediately after landing a sum that doubled in two weeks. Another, “Lexi,” shared a harrowing account of being offered AED 15,000 ($4,084) to endure violent abuse, including being filmed eating faeces.
Both women said their attempts to seek help from Dubai police were ignored.
The investigation also linked Mwesigwa’s operation to the deaths of two Ugandan women in Dubai. Monic Karungi, who reportedly owed Mwesigwa $27,000 (Shs101 million), died in 2022 after falling from a balcony. She had travelled for a supposed supermarket job and was buried in an unmarked grave. Another woman, Kayla Birungi, died in 2021. Though authorities initially blamed drugs or alcohol, a toxicology report seen by the BBC found neither in her system.
Uganda has over 165,000 labour migrants working in Gulf countries, sending home more than $1.2 billion (Shs4.5 trillion) annually. However, rights groups warn that trafficking and exploitation remain widespread.
At least 88 Ugandan deaths were recorded in the Middle East between 2019 and 2023.
Mariam Mwiza, who works with a rescue group aiding trafficking victims, said her team has handled over 700 abuse cases across the Gulf.
“Many leave Uganda expecting jobs in supermarkets but end up being sold into prostitution,” she said.
Minister Balaam confirmed that Uganda would collaborate with Interpol and UAE authorities to ensure Mwesigwa is held accountable. As of press time, Dubai police had not issued a statement on the matter.
