Tayebwa Demands Immediate Action following BBC Exposé on Ugandans in Dubai Sex Ring

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has called on the government to urgently investigate shocking revelations in a new BBC documentary that exposed the trafficking and abuse of Ugandan women in Dubai.

The investigation, widely reported in Ugandan media under the headline “Death in Dubai,” uncovers how Charles Mwesigwa, a former London bus driver, allegedly runs a prostitution ring in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that preys on young Ugandan women.

Using undercover footage, survivor testimonies, and open-source intelligence, the BBC details how women are lured with promises of legitimate work only to be trapped in violent, coercive sex work. The report further alleges that at least two women linked to Mwesigwa’s network died under mysterious circumstances.

“This is a very disturbing revelation,” Tayebwa told Parliament. “We must reopen debate on the plight of Ugandan migrant workers, especially young women in the Middle East. They need far stronger protection. I don’t know whether the Minister should come and make a statement here, but what we really need is action.”

The Deputy Speaker also highlighted the economic exploitation of Ugandan workers abroad. “Some countries negotiate for their nationals to start at salaries of 2,000 U.S. dollars for the same job,” he noted. “Ugandans are often left to fend for themselves, which makes them vulnerable to abuse.”

Sarah Opendi, the Tororo Woman MP, recounted the story of a woman from western Uganda who believed she was going to work in a supermarket in Dubai but was forced into a brothel.

“She escaped and reported to the Police, only to be dismissed as mentally unstable. The DPP closed the case. Where should someone like her seek justice?” Opendi asked. She urged Parliament to fast-track the Employment Bill and Sexual Offences Bill, both containing safeguards for migrant workers. 

Amuria Woman MP Suzan Amero pressed the government to fully take over the recruitment of Ugandan workers for overseas jobs to reduce exploitation.

Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Muwada Nkuyinji warned that many Ugandans remain stranded in the Middle East and need assistance. Responding on behalf of the government, Minister of State for Industry David Bahati assured the House that the Ministry of Gender has already launched investigations into the disturbing claims.   

The BBC exposé has reignited debate over Uganda’s labour export industry and the urgent need for tighter regulation, stronger bilateral agreements, and better protection for the thousands of Ugandan women seeking opportunities abroad.