Charles Mwesigwa, widely known by the alias “Abbey,” is in custody in the United Arab Emirates over allegations of running a sex-trafficking network that exploited vulnerable Ugandan women in Dubai’s high-end districts.
A Dubai-based law firm told the BBC that Mwesigwa is currently being held at the Central Prison Centre in Al Awir following the issuance of a red notice by Interpol Uganda. The Ugandan Embassy in Abu Dhabi later confirmed his detention, saying: “Investigations of human trafficking are ongoing and action has been taken by the authorities of the UAE.”
Mwesigwa’s name first surfaced during a BBC World Service undercover operation. In secretly recorded footage, he boasted that he could supply women for sex parties starting at $1,000 (about UGX 3.7 million), claiming they could do “pretty much everything” clients wanted. He further introduced himself as a former London bus driver.
The investigation went further, exposing painful stories from young Ugandan women who said they were lured to Dubai with fake promises of hotel or supermarket jobs. Once there, they were forced into prostitution to repay fabricated debts. One survivor, identified as “Mia,” revealed that some clients demanded degrading acts, including being defecated on.
Although he denied the allegations, Mwesigwa admitted to knowing the women, insisting he only helped them find accommodation and occasionally brought “big spenders” to his parties.
The revelations sparked outrage back home in Uganda, where MPs described the findings as “disturbing” and pressed for urgent government action. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja instructed the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to pursue the case and update cabinet on progress in holding Mwesigwa accountable.
Beyond the trafficking claims, unanswered questions remain around the mysterious deaths of two women linked to Mwesigwa Monic Karungi and Kayla Birungi who both fell from Dubai high-rise apartments.
Authorities ruled the incidents suicides, but relatives and friends expressed doubts and demanded fresh inquiries. Mwesigwa maintained that Dubai police investigated the cases, though the force has not responded to BBC requests for comment.
As the legal process unfolds, Mwesigwa’s detention continues to draw international attention, with pressure mounting on both Ugandan and Emirati authorities to secure justice for the victims of the alleged trafficking ring.
