In brief
The investigation by the BBC uncovered the activities of Charles 'Abbey' Mwesigwa, who allegedly ran a sex-trade network in Dubai that lured vulnerable Ugandan women with false employment promises. Mwesigwa, who has been detained in the UAE, reportedly offered women for high-end sexual services and is now facing potential extradition back to Uganda.
Warning: Contains disturbing content and graphic descriptions of sexual actsThe BBC understands the boss of a degrading sex-trade ring that exploited vulnerable women in Dubai's most glamorous neighbourhoods has been detained in the United Arab Emirates.Charles 'Abbey' Mwesigwa, who was identified in a recent BBC investigation as running the network, was filmed telling an undercover reporter he could provide women for a sex party at a starting price of $1,000 (£750). He also said the women could do 'pretty much everything' clients wanted them to and mentioned being a former London bus driver.Details concerning the charges Mwesigwa faces in the UAE remain unclear, and the authorities have yet to release a public statement regarding the case. However, a Dubai law firm confirmed to the BBC that he is in custody at the Central Prison Centre in Al Awir, Dubai, and that an Interpol red notice has been issued against him from Uganda.The Ugandan embassy in the UAE indicated ongoing investigations into human trafficking, linking this to Mwesigwa’s detention. The BBC's investigation highlighted testimonies from young Ugandan women who traveled to Dubai with false promises of jobs in supermarkets or hotels, only to find themselves trapped in prostitution, which is illegal in Dubai.Among the disturbing allegations, it was reported that at least one client requested degrading acts, including defecation on women. Mwesigwa denied all accusations, claiming his role was merely to connect women with accommodation and event organizers.The investigation further revealed that two women associated with Mwesigwa died after falling from high-rise apartments, with friends and family questioning the ruling of suicide in their cases.Numerous discussions regarding this investigation have taken place within the Ugandan parliament, as ministers call it 'disturbing' and stress the need for collaboration with Interpol to ensure justice.
