Introduction
A months-long BBC Eye Investigation has exposed a disturbing and organized sex trafficking network in Dubai, allegedly managed by Charles “Abbey” Mwesigwa, a Ugandan national and former bus driver in London. The report reveals how vulnerable women, mainly from East Africa, are deceived with promises of legitimate jobs, only to find themselves trapped in a life of sexual exploitation, humiliation, and—sometimes—death under suspicious circumstances.
The findings challenge the glamorous image of Dubai, often seen as a hub of wealth and luxury, by revealing a darker underworld where traffickers prey on desperate women seeking better lives.
False Promises of Employment
According to testimonies collected by BBC undercover reporters, many of the women who fell into Mwesigwa’s network were initially lured with promises of normal employment. They believed they were traveling to Dubai to work in supermarkets, hotels, or service jobs.
However, upon arrival, they were forced into prostitution and housed in overcrowded apartments with dozens of other women under Mwesigwa’s control.
One survivor described the situation:
“It looked like a market—there were around 50 girls. None of them were happy because what they faced was not what they had been promised.”
Price of Exploitation
Mwesigwa allegedly arranged “exclusive sex parties” for wealthy clients, with prices starting at $1,000 per woman per night. Some clients demanded extreme and degrading sexual practices, which went far beyond prostitution.
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Mia, a Ugandan victim (name changed for protection), revealed that some men paid to defecate on women and force them to eat human waste.
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Lexi, another victim, said she was offered over 15,000 AED ($4,000) for group sexual assault involving urine humiliation, and more if she agreed to be filmed.
The women reported that many of the clients were white Europeans, including businessmen, celebrities, and even high-profile individuals.
The “Porta Potty” Phenomenon
These shocking practices link to the viral term #DubaiPortaPotty, which has circulated on TikTok and Instagram for years. The hashtag has been viewed over 450 million times, with rumors of women accepting extreme sexual abuse in exchange for money.
While many dismissed these stories as internet myths, the BBC investigation suggests that reality is even darker than the rumors—backed by first-hand testimony and undercover footage.
Deaths Under Suspicious Circumstances
The investigation also uncovered a disturbing pattern of young African women dying after falling from high-rise apartments in Dubai. Two names stood out:
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Monic Karungi: A Ugandan woman who moved to Dubai in 2022, believing she would find a regular job. Instead, she ended up under Mwesigwa’s control, living with other exploited women. Family members revealed she owed him $27,000 and had sent desperate voice notes about her situation. She died after falling from her apartment balcony just four months into her stay. Dubai police closed the case as suicide after finding drugs and alcohol in her apartment.
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Kayla Birungi: Another Ugandan woman who also died after falling from a Dubai building under similar unexplained circumstances.
Families insist these women did not take their own lives and accuse the Dubai authorities of failing to properly investigate.
Mwesigwa’s Denials
Confronted by BBC undercover reporters, Charles Mwesigwa denied all allegations of trafficking and abuse.
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He insisted he was merely an “event organizer” who connected wealthy men with women at parties.
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He described himself as someone with “a strong Dubai network” who helps women find housing.
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He admitted to having 25 girls working under him but claimed they were free to choose what they wanted to do.
When asked about the so-called “porta potty” practices, he replied:
“It’s all about being open-minded. If I say open-minded, I’ll send you the wildest girls I have.”
Shockingly, Mwesigwa told reporters that even if he “won a million pounds in the lottery,” he would still continue this business because it had become part of his life.
Police Silence and Protection of Elites
Victims who tried to seek help from Dubai police said they were dismissed or ignored.
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Lexi recalled officers telling her: “You Africans are the ones hurting each other. We don’t want to get involved.”
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Families of the deceased accused police of protecting the image of Dubai and refusing to investigate connections to powerful clients.
There are also claims that Mwesigwa’s network paid off nightclub security to ensure women had access to elite clients—including footballers, singers, and even political leaders.
A Global Problem Hidden in Luxury
The investigation highlights how Dubai’s global reputation as a luxury hub masks darker realities of modern-day slavery and exploitation. Vulnerable women are recruited from poor backgrounds, stripped of their rights, and exposed to extreme abuse while authorities look away.
This case has raised questions about:
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Human trafficking laws in the UAE and whether they are being enforced.
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Racism and discrimination faced by African women in the Middle East.
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The role of social media glamorization in enticing women into dangerous networks.
Conclusion
The BBC investigation into Charles Mwesigwa’s alleged trafficking network exposes a disturbing truth: beneath Dubai’s glittering skyscrapers lies a hidden world of exploitation, abuse, and uninvestigated deaths.
Families of victims like Monic Karungi continue to seek justice, while many women remain trapped in similar situations.
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