In brief
In a disturbing revelation, Charles 'Abbey' Mwesigwa has been arrested in Dubai following a BBC investigation into a sex trade ring that exploited Ugandan women. The exposed network attracted women with false job promises and forced them into prostitution. The authorities in the UAE are now involved, but questions about Mwesigwa's charges remain unanswered.
Warning: Contains disturbing content and graphic descriptions of sexual acts
The 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 stated that the women could do pretty much everything clients wanted them to and claimed he was a former London bus driver.
It is not clear what charges, if any, Mwesigwa is facing in the UAE, and the country's authorities have not yet made a public announcement about the case.
However, a Dubai law firm contacted by the BBC confirmed that Mwesigwa is in custody at the Central Prison Centre in Al Awir, Dubai. They also mentioned that a red notice had been issued against Mwesigwa by Interpol Uganda, signifying a request for his detention internationally pending extradition.
The Ugandan embassy in the UAE's capital, Abu Dhabi, released a statement that said investigations of human trafficking are ongoing and action has been taken by the authorities of the UAE. This statement is believed to be connected to Mwesigwa's detention.
The BBC World Service investigation included testimonies from young Ugandan women who traveled to Dubai with promises of jobs, only to find themselves forced into prostitution. Prostitution remains illegal in Dubai.
At least one of Mwesigwa's clients allegedly made degrading requests, including one who asked to defecate on the women, according to a woman who identified herself as Mia.
Mwesigwa denied the allegations, claiming he merely helped women find accommodation through landlords and that they sought him out due to his wealthy contacts in Dubai.
Alarming findings from the investigation also included reports of two women linked to Mwesigwa, Monic Karungi and Kayla Birungi, who died after falling from high-rise apartments. Although their deaths were ruled suicides, family and friends insist more investigation is warranted.
In Parliament, Ugandan ministers have labeled the situation as disturbing and have pledged to collaborate with Interpol to seek justice.
Additional reporting by Jack Burgess
