Dubai, UAE: Authorities in the United Arab Emirates are holding in detention Charles “Abbey” Mwesigwa, the Ugandan man accused of running a degrading sex-trade network that exploited vulnerable women in some of Dubai’s most glamorous neighbourhoods.
Mwesigwa, previously identified in a BBC undercover investigation, was filmed telling reporters he could provide women for sex parties at a starting price of $1,000 (about UGX 3.7 million), boasting that the women could do “pretty much everything” clients wanted. He also claimed to be a former London bus driver.
Although UAE authorities have not officially announced charges, a Dubai law firm confirmed to the BBC that Mwesigwa is currently in custody at the Central Prison Centre in Al Awir. The firm added that Interpol Uganda had issued a red notice against him, which triggered his arrest.
A red notice is a global request for police to detain a suspect pending extradition.
The Ugandan Embassy in Abu Dhabi last week released a statement saying “investigations of human trafficking are ongoing and action has been taken by the authorities of the UAE,” a position that sources say is directly linked to Mwesigwa’s detention.
Testimonies of exploitation
The BBC investigation revealed testimonies from Ugandan women who said they were lured to Dubai with promises of legitimate jobs in supermarkets and hotels, only to find themselves trapped in debt bondage and forced into prostitution.
One of the survivors, identified only as Mia to protect her identity, said clients in Mwesigwa’s network subjected women to degrading acts, with some being asked to endure extreme humiliation.
At least two women allegedly connected to Mwesigwa’s circle; Monic Karungi and Kayla Birungi, died after falling from high-rise apartments in Dubai. While their deaths were officially ruled as suicides, families and friends insist the cases were never fully investigated.
Mwesigwa denies allegations
Mwesigwa has dismissed the accusations, claiming he only helped women secure accommodation and that they followed him because of his wealthy social connections.
“I am just a party person who invites big spenders to my table. That makes me know many girls and that’s it,” he told the BBC, denying any involvement in sex trafficking.
The revelations have sparked outrage in Uganda, with MPs last week describing the findings as “disturbing” during heated parliamentary debates. Ministers pledged to work with Interpol and UAE authorities to ensure justice for the victims and accountability for those exploiting Ugandan women abroad.
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