Ugandan UN Judge Found Guilty of Slavery in UK

In London, a British jury found a United Nations judge guilty of deceitfully bringing a young Ugandan woman to the U.K. and coercing her to work as a slave. Lydia Mugambe, who also serves as a high court judge in Uganda, exploited the victim by making her work as an unpaid maid and provide childcare services.
Mugambe was attending the University of Oxford for her doctoral studies in law when the crimes were committed. Her ties to the international community are noteworthy, as she was appointed to one of the United Nations’ international courts as recently as May 2023.
Prosecution attorney Caroline Haughey asserted during the trial that Mugambe “exploited and abused” the young woman by misleading her to come to Britain under false pretenses and exploiting her limited knowledge of her legal rights.
Prosecutors presented evidence showing that Mugambe used her influence to arrange a visa for the victim through the Ugandan High Commission in London. The victim was misled into believing that she would be employed in a diplomatic household and office once she reached the U.K.
Upon her arrival, however, she was taken directly to Mugambe’s home, where she was made to work without pay. Her travel documents, including her passport and visa, were confiscated, limiting her ability to seek assistance.
Ultimately, the victim was able to reach out to a friend for help, leading to police intervention.
Mugambe, 49, denied the allegations but was found guilty on all four charges she faced, including an immigration-related charge, forcing someone to work, and conspiracy to intimidate a witness. As the verdicts were announced, Mugambe appeared visibly distressed in the courtroom, causing the area to be temporarily cleared for her well-being. She is scheduled for sentencing on May 2.
Eran Cutliffe from the Crown Prosecution Service’s Special Crime Division commented, “Lydia Mugambe manipulated her powerful position to exploit a vulnerable young woman, restricting her freedom and compelling her to work without pay.” The case was brought to justice largely due to the bravery of the victim, who found the courage to speak out and ensure that Mugambe faces the consequences of her actions.