World of Secrets – Death in Dubai: Episode 2 "Not the First to Die"

BBC World Service | Aired: September 22, 2025
Host: Renaco Celina

Episode Overview

This episode delves into the tragic story of Monica ("Mona Kizz"), a young Ugandan woman whose death in Dubai became global tabloid fodder and social media spectacle. But beneath the viral rumors and ugly hashtags lies a darker truth about the vulnerabilities and exploitation African women face when seeking work in the Gulf. Through first-hand testimonies—including Monica’s relative Michael and an anonymous witness—the episode explores Monica’s life and death, the dubious recruitment networks, and the indifference or complicity of authorities in Dubai. The theme: Monica is not the first to die under such circumstances, and unless something changes, she won’t be the last.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Monica’s Departure from Uganda

• Monica’s family celebrates with a farewell party as she prepares to leave for Dubai.
• [02:36] Michael (pseudonym, father figure to Monica) shares Monica's excitement but quickly voices his concerns about the dangers of migrating to Dubai under ambiguous circumstances:
  • "Monica, if you are going to Dubai, make sure the luggage you are going to go with you, check them thoroughly... I have been following the social media stories for those girls who go to Dubai carrying drugs and they end in prison." – Michael [03:07]
• Michael warns Monica of the risks, particularly around trafficking and being drawn into illegal activity.

The Reality on Arrival

• [06:14] Michael also migrates to the UAE, only to be deceived by his local agent—no job awaits him.
  • "It is a hell on earth. They treat us badly. But there is no any other choice." – Michael [06:35]
• Monica’s communications become increasingly sporadic and troubled, and Michael senses something is wrong.

Monica’s Hidden Struggle

• Over time, Monica confides she owes a huge debt ($27,000) to those who facilitated her move, implying she’s trapped in forced labor or something worse.
• Michael notices disturbing Instagram posts, not reflective of Monica, and suspects her account is being used against her will:
  • "Whatever was posted on her Instagram was not posted by her. No." – Michael [10:15]
• He realizes Monica is caught in “sexual serial trade”—sex trafficking.

Hopes of Escape & Sudden Loss

• Monica tells Michael about a "white boyfriend" who promises to bail her out by paying her debts.
• She calls Michael elated, believing that her ordeal is about to end.
  • "Brother, tomorrow I'm free. When I'm free, you come and see me." – Monica, as recounted by Michael [13:27]
• The next day, Michael receives the devastating news: Monica has died, reportedly falling from a tower block.

The Aftermath: Seeking Truth and Justice

• Michael rushes to the scene, then to the police despite his undocumented status.
  • "I don't care. Monica has died. Put me in. I just want to know why she has died." – Michael [19:12]
• Police claim that Monica’s death was a suicide, citing presence of drugs and alcohol, and halt the investigation:
  • "In UAE, when they find out someone was using drugs and was on alcohol, they stop their investigations. Then they concluded she committed suicide." – Police statement via Michael [20:10]
• Michael finds the investigation grossly inadequate.
  • "Did you think this investigation was enough?"/"It was not enough at all." – Renaco Celina & Michael [20:43]

Encountering Monica’s Boss & the Systemic Nature of Abuse

• Michael, helped by a Ghanaian contact, confronts Monica’s Ugandan “boss” at an apartment known for trafficking and sexual exploitation.
• The setting is shocking: young girls, drugs, men (many foreigners) exploiting them.
  • "What I saw... if Monica, that's the life she was going through. God has took her to rest." – Michael [24:28]
  • "Many of them were whites by the way. Many of them were whites, even older people." – Michael [25:04]
• Michael confronts the boss, who is dismissive and admits Monica is not the first victim:
  • "People die here all the time. Monica is not the first to die and she would not be the last." – Monica’s boss, paraphrased by Michael and confirmed by a witness [28:36], [29:13]
• The boss claims invincibility due to deep connections to police and embassies:
  • "My dear Brother, I spent 25 years in Dubai. Dubai is mine. I'm Dubai. There is nowhere you're going to report me... Embassy is me. I'm telling you this. There is no way you want to report me." – Monica's boss [27:37]
  • "The curses of a cockerel do not kill an eagle." – Ugandan proverb meaning he is untouchable [28:07]

Testimony from Inside

• Renaco cautiously contacts Monica's acquaintances. After initial fear, an anonymous witness agrees to talk:
  • "At first I thought I was scared... But I was like, maybe. Let me listen to you because I'm looking for justice for my friend Mona who died in Dubai. And up to now no one knows what really went on." – Anonymous witness [30:58]
• The witness confirms Michael’s story: Monica’s death was just one in a recurring pattern of exploitation and violence.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Leaving for Dubai:

  • "If you have got a chance to go to Dubai, you go and work, but make sure you are going to do a supermarket job." – Michael [04:02]

• On the Debt Trap and Human Trafficking:

  • "If not, I have to work for them until I pay them their money." – Monica to Michael [09:43]

• On the Indifference of Authorities:

  • "You have expired visa. I said, I don't care. Monica has died. Put me in. I just want to know why she has died." – Michael [19:12]
  • "When they find out someone was using drugs and was on alcohol, they stop their investigations. Then they concluded she committed suicide." – Police officer [20:10]

• On Monica’s Boss's Invincibility:

  • "Dubai is mine. I'm Dubai... Embassy is me. I'm telling you this. There is no way you want to report me." – Monica’s boss [27:37]
  • "Monica is not the first to die and she would not be the last." – Monica’s boss [28:36], echoed by an anonymous witness [29:13]

• On the Witness's Motivation:

  • "I'm looking for justice for my friend Mona who died in Dubai. And up to now no one knows what really went on." – Anonymous witness [30:58]

Important Timestamps & Segments

• 02:36 — Monica discusses her plans and Michael warns of the risks.
• 09:20–10:43 — Michael discovers the extent of Monica's debt and his realization of her exploitation.
• 13:27 — Call from Monica, elated and hopeful on the eve of her death.
• 18:03–19:12 — News of Monica’s death; Michael’s response and journey to the police.
• 20:10 — Police declare suicide, citing drug use as their reason to stop the investigation.
• 21:27–24:28 — Michael’s confrontation with Monica’s boss in the den of trafficking.
• 28:36–29:13 — Boss declares Monica is not the first to die, confirmed by a witness.
• 30:58–31:20 — Anonymous witness shares motive for speaking out.

Tone & Language

The episode is told in a somber, investigative, and empathetic tone, using first-person testimony to highlight the psychological toll and moral outrage of those caught up in Monica’s story. The language of the podcast is direct and raw, sometimes emotional, always deeply human. It is punctuated by moments of disbelief and anger at structural injustice, and quiet but persistent hope for accountability.

Conclusion

This episode exposes how Monica’s death fits into a pattern of exploitative migration and silenced tragedy in Dubai. It shows how easily African women can be trafficked and discarded, and how systems in place—both criminal and official—conspire to evade justice. The episode ends with the commitment to continue investigating, promising deeper revelations in the next installment.

For further inquiry:

• Next episode promises to include the perspective of women still in these networks, and continued attempts to confront complicit authorities.
• Listener advisory: Episode contains strong topics related to trafficking, suicide, and exploitation.