Dubai - Charles "Abbey" Mwesigwa, the Ugandan-German national identified by a recent BBC investigation 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, 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.
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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 told BBC reporters that he merely helped women find accommodation and that they followed him to parties due to his social connections.
"I am just a party person who invites big spenders on my tables, hence making many girls flock [to] my table. That makes me know many girls and that's it," he said.
The case has sparked a heated debate in Uganda's Parliament. Lawmakers demanded stronger regulation of the labour externalisation sector to prevent exploitation of Ugandan citizens abroad.
Many citizens have 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 considered at high risk of overstaying or engaging in unlawful activities, and is not a complete travel ban.
Uganda's envoy to Dubai, 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.
The Nile Post understands that a red notice has been issued against Mwesigwa by Interpol Uganda, requesting his detention worldwide pending extradition.
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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.
