Dubai Ring Exploiting Ugandan Women and Fatal Incidents

A detailed investigation has uncovered a disturbing network operating in Dubai, exploiting young Ugandan women through forced adult work. The operator, Charles Mwesigwa, who says he was once a London bus driver, lures women to Dubai with false promises of ordinary jobs, only to trap them in abusive and degrading situations.

The Operator and His Network

Charles Mwesigwa told an undercover reporter that he could provide women for private parties, charging around $1,000 (£740) per person. He claimed many women “can do pretty much everything” clients requested. Rumors about wild parties in Dubai have existed for years, but the reality is far darker than what most people imagine.

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Many women came expecting jobs in hotels, supermarkets, or other normal workplaces, but were forced into adult work. One woman, “Mia” to protect her identity, said some clients had extreme and abusive requests.

Mwesigwa denies wrongdoing, claiming he only helps women find apartments and that they voluntarily attend parties because of his Dubai connections.

Deaths Linked to the Network

Tragically, at least two women connected to Mwesigwa’s operation died after falling from high-rise apartments. Their deaths were officially ruled suicides, but family and friends suspect foul play and believe authorities should have investigated further.

One of the women, Monic Karungi, arrived from western Uganda. She lived in an apartment with dozens of women under Mwesigwa’s supervision. According to “Keira,” who lived with her, the conditions were harsh, and the women were unhappy with the work they were forced to do.

Monic’s sister, Rita, said she had expected a supermarket job. Mia added that Mwesigwa was violent when Monic wanted to return home, claiming she already owed him £2,000 ($2,711) upon arrival. Within two weeks, her debt had doubled.

The debt covered air tickets, visas, housing, and food, forcing women to participate in adult work to repay it. Monic reportedly owed more than $27,000 (£19,918) after several weeks. Her family received tearful messages describing her fear and despair.

Extreme Exploitation and Abuse

The investigation revealed shocking abuse in Mwesigwa’s network. Mia described clients with extreme and degrading requests. Another woman, Lexi, confirmed similar experiences and noted that some clients specifically targeted Black women, seeking strong reactions from them.

Lexi tried to contact the police but was dismissed. Authorities allegedly told her Africans “cause problems for each other” and refused to help. Lexi eventually escaped to Uganda and now works to rescue women in similar situations.

Mwesigwa’s Methods

Charles Mwesigwa is difficult to trace because he uses multiple names and limited photos online. He lives in Jumeirah Village Circle, a middle-class Dubai neighborhood. An undercover reporter posed as an event organizer seeking women for private parties and met Mwesigwa, who appeared calm and confident. He confirmed having about 25 women available, many “open-minded” and able to meet clients’ requests.

He admitted to paying nightclub security to allow women access to clients. Wealthy men, including musicians, footballers, and politicians, were reportedly involved.

Former employee Troy explained that Mwesigwa also hid his identity in paperwork, using other people’s names to rent apartments and cars, keeping his name out of official documents.

Monic Karungi’s Final Days

Monic posted a selfie from Al Barsha, a popular Dubai expat neighborhood, on April 27, 2022. Four days later, she fell from a high-rise apartment. Mia said Monic had been arguing with Mwesigwa and had found a new job, excited to regain her freedom.

Monic moved to a different apartment but fell from the balcony on May 1, 2022. Michael, a relative, tried to investigate her death. Police allegedly stopped the investigation due to drugs and alcohol found in the apartment, even though Monic’s fingerprints were the only ones on the balcony. Her death certificate did not reveal the cause, and no toxicology report was provided.

Other Victims

Monic’s story is similar to Kayla Birungi, another Ugandan woman who died in 2021 in Dubai. Evidence suggests Mwesigwa managed the apartment where Kayla lived. Both Monic and Kayla were buried in unmarked graves in Dubai, in sections reserved for migrants whose families could not repatriate their bodies.

The Broader Context

This network is part of a wider system bringing young Ugandan women to Gulf countries under false job promises. Youth unemployment in Uganda has made migration to Gulf states a significant source of income, contributing $1.2 billion (£885m) annually. However, many women face serious risks of exploitation.

Mariam Mwiza, an activist, has helped rescue over 700 people from similar situations. She explained that women are often promised ordinary jobs but end up in adult work against their will.

Families Left in Fear

For Monic’s family, grief is mixed with fear. Michael said, “We are all looking at Monic’s death. But who is there for the girls still alive? They’re still there, still suffering.”

Mwesigwa’s Response

Charles “Abbey” Mwesigwa denied running an illegal network. He said, “These are all false allegations. I am just a party person who invites big spenders. Many girls come to my table, that’s it.”

Regarding the deaths, he said, “Monic died with her passport, meaning no one was demanding her money. Prior to her death, I hadn’t seen her for four to five weeks. Both incidents were investigated by Dubai police and maybe they can help you.”

Requests for police files and reports were not answered, and no further official information was available.