Ugandan-German Charles “Abbey” Mwesigwa was arrested in Dubai after attempting to flee.
Authorities in Dubai have arrested Charles “Abbey” Mwesigwa, a Ugandan-German accused of running a sex-trade network in the UAE.
Mwesigwa had earlier been questioned and released on bond but was re-arrested after he attempted to flee the country by checking in for a flight online. He is currently detained at the Central Prison Centre in Al Awir.
Investigations link Mwesigwa to the trafficking of young Ugandan women under the guise of job opportunities in supermarkets and hotels. Once in Dubai, many were reportedly forced into prostitution.
Several women connected to him, including Monic Karungi and Kayla Birungi, died after falling from high-rise apartments. Their deaths were ruled as suicides, but families and rights groups have demanded a deeper probe.
Mwesigwa has denied the allegations, claiming he only helped women secure accommodation and that they associated with him because of his social networks.
The case has triggered debate in Uganda’s Parliament, with MPs demanding tighter controls in the labour externalisation sector.
Many citizens have also called for Mwesigwa’s extradition and trial, accusing the government of failing to protect vulnerable women seeking work abroad.
“This case is a wake-up call for better regulation and stronger safeguards,” one legislator remarked during a parliamentary sitting.
Amid the scandal, reports surfaced that the UAE would enforce tougher visa rules for Ugandans from January 2026.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Henry Okello Oryem clarified that the measures will target individuals at risk of overstaying or engaging in unlawful activities, not an outright travel ban.
Uganda’s ambassador to the UAE, Zaake Kibedi, later confirmed that Ugandans can still travel and work in Dubai, though within stricter guidelines.
Each year, about 4,457 Ugandans travel to the UAE for domestic, cleaning, and security jobs, with women forming the majority. Labour migration remains a crucial source of household income, making regulation and protection key issues.
Interpol Uganda has already issued a red notice for Mwesigwa, requesting his detention globally until possible extradition.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has pledged to work with UAE officials to safeguard Ugandan migrants.
The detention of Mwesigwa has once again underlined the risks many face abroad and revived calls for safe, legal, and transparent labour migration channels.
