DUBAI, UAE – A viral online rumor has been revealed as the tip of a horrifying iceberg in a new BBC Africa Eye investigation, which uncovers a network allegedly trafficking young Ugandan women to Dubai for sexual exploitation under the control of a man known as “The Untouchable.”
The documentary, titled “Death in Dubai,” began investigating after the death of a young Ugandan woman, Mona Kizz, who fell from a high-rise building in Dubai. Her tragic death quickly went viral online, with her image becoming mistakenly associated with the disturbing hashtag #DubaiPortaPotty—an online trend suggesting wealthy clients pay to defecate on women.
However, the BBC’s investigation found that behind the sensationalized online rumors lies an even darker reality. The film details the experiences of several Ugandan women who say they were lured to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with false promises of legitimate work, only to find themselves trapped in prostitution and burdened with insurmountable debt to their trafficker.
At the center of the allegations is a man identified as Charles Mwesigwa, also known as “Abbey.” The investigation presents testimony from multiple sources alleging that Mwesigwa heads a sophisticated sex trafficking ring in Dubai. One victim stated, “No-one has ever finished paying Abbey’s money,” describing a system of perpetual financial bondage.
The allegations against Mwesigwa’s operation are severe. The documentary includes claims that “at least one of Mr. Mwesigwa’s clients regularly asks to defecate on the women,” corroborating the abusive behavior hinted at by the viral hashtag.
The investigation traces the final days of Mona Kizz, who reportedly believed she was close to paying off her debt and gaining freedom before her death. The BBC team also went undercover to access what is described as “a market for black girls” in Dubai, revealing the grim demand that fuels the trafficking network.
Despite the serious allegations and his notoriety among the Ugandan community in Dubai, the film suggests Mwesigwa operates with impunity, with one source claiming, “He has eyes everywhere in Dubai.” The documentary culminates in a confrontation with Mwesigwa in the United Kingdom, where the investigation alleges he continues to conduct business.
The report concludes by noting that Mona Kizz was laid to rest in an unmarked area of a cemetery back in Uganda, a tragic and anonymous end for a woman whose death sparked a global conversation and a major investigation.
The BBC is encouraging anyone with more information to come forward and has provided resources for those distressed by the film’s content.
