Uganda's Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa called for government intervention after a BBC documentary exposed sexual exploitation networks targeting Ugandan women in Dubai. The investigation identified Charles Mwesigwa as the alleged leader of trafficking operations in Jumeirah Village Circle. Women received promises of legitimate employment but faced forced prostitution to repay fabricated debts. Two victims, Monic Karungi and Kayla Birungi, died under suspicious circumstances, with their remains buried in unmarked graves. Parliament expects the Ministry of Gender to develop comprehensive protection measures for overseas workers.
The trafficking network charged clients $1,000 per night while survivors described escalating debt schemes and violent exploitation. State Minister Balaam Barugahara pledged to pursue Mwesigwa through Interpol cooperation. Official records show 88 Ugandan deaths occurred across Gulf nations between 2019 and 2023. Rights advocates report widespread abuse among the 165,000 Ugandans employed in Middle Eastern countries. Civil society organizations demand stricter oversight of recruitment agencies and enhanced diplomatic protection protocols.
The trafficking network charged clients $1,000 per night while survivors described escalating debt schemes and violent exploitation. State Minister Balaam Barugahara pledged to pursue Mwesigwa through Interpol cooperation. Official records show 88 Ugandan deaths occurred across Gulf nations between 2019 and 2023. Rights advocates report widespread abuse among the 165,000 Ugandans employed in Middle Eastern countries. Civil society organizations demand stricter oversight of recruitment agencies and enhanced diplomatic protection protocols.
