Charles “Abbey” Mwesigwa, the Ugandan-German national identified as the orchestrator of a degrading sex-trade network in Dubai, has been detained in the United Arab Emirates.
The arrest comes after Mwesigwa was initially questioned by police and released on bond, only to attempt fleeing the country. Authorities acted swiftly after he checked in online with an airline, leading to his immediate detention.
According to sources, Mwesigwa faces scrutiny over his alleged role in trafficking young Ugandan women to Dubai under the pretext of legitimate employment, only for them to be coerced into prostitution. Some victims reportedly believed they were travelling to
work in hotels or supermarkets.
Prostitution is illegal in the UAE, and several women connected to Mwesigwa, including Monic Karungi and Kayla Birungi, died after falling from high-rise apartments. Their deaths were ruled as suicides, but friends and family have called for deeper
investigation.
In his defence, Mwesigwa insisted that he merely helped women find accommodation and that they were drawn to him due to his social connections.
The case has sparked heated debate in Uganda’s Parliament, with lawmakers demanding stronger regulation of the labour externalisation sector to prevent exploitation of Ugandan citizens abroad. Many citizens have also called for Mwesigwa’s arrest, pressing the government to ensure justice.
Amid these developments, reports surfaced that the UAE would tighten visa requirements for Ugandans starting January 2026. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Henry Okello Oryem confirmed the move, saying it targets individuals at high risk of
overstaying or engaging in unlawful activities, and is not a complete travel ban.
Uganda’s ambassador to UAE, Zaake Kibedi, later released a statement denying that any blanket restrictions would apply.
Uganda annually sends approximately 4,457 workers to the UAE, primarily in domestic, security, and cleaning roles, with women forming a significant portion. Labour migration remains a key avenue for household income and youth employment, highlighting the stakes of ensuring safe and regulated labour mobility.
A red notice has been issued against Mwesigwa by Interpol Uganda, requesting his detention worldwide pending extradition. Dubai authorities have not formally announced the charges he faces, but his detention at the Central Prison Centre in Al Awir underscores the seriousness of the investigation.
The incident has renewed calls for more stringent safeguards for Ugandan nationals working overseas and prompted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage with the UAE to protect migrant welfare and ensure compliance with legal and cultural norms abroad.
Courtesy of BBC
