A prominent Ugandan High Court judge and a United Nations (UN) criminal tribunal judge, Lydia Mugambe, has been found guilty of modern slavery offences in the United Kingdom. The verdict was delivered by Oxford Crown Court on Thursday. Mugambe was convicted on multiple charges, including breaching UK immigration law, facilitating travel for exploitation, forced labour, and conspiracy to intimidate a witness.
A False Promise Turned Nightmare
Prosecutors revealed that Mugambe lured her victim, a young Ugandan woman, to the UK under the guise of legitimate employment. Instead, the woman was subjected to forced labour, working as a maid and providing childcare services without pay. To further entrap her, Mugambe confiscated the victim’s passport and visa, rendering her unable to seek assistance or leave.
Caroline Haughey KC, the prosecuting lawyer, told the court that Mugambe took advantage of her victim.
“Lydia Mugambe has exploited and abused [her victim], taking advantage of her lack of understanding of her rights to properly paid employment and deceiving her as to the purpose of her coming to the UK.”
The victim’s identity remains protected for legal reasons. She testified that she felt “lonely” and “trapped” after arriving in the UK. She recounted being unable to leave or work freely, a clear violation of modern slavery laws.
Claims of Diplomatic Immunity Dismissed
In footage released by Thames Valley Police, Mugambe expressed disbelief at her arrest under the Modern Slavery Act.
“I am a judge in my country; I even have immunity. I am not a criminal,” she insisted to the arresting officer.
When asked to clarify her claim of immunity, Mugambe reiterated, “Yes, I have a diplomatic passport.”
However, the United Nations waived any diplomatic protection she may have had, allowing the UK legal proceedings to move forward.
Thames Valley Police commander for Oxfordshire, Ch Supt Ben Clark, confirmed this.
“Any immunity Mugambe may have enjoyed as a UN judge has been waived by the Office of the United Nations Secretary General,” He said
Courtroom Drama and Witness Intimidation
The trial also revealed that Mugambe conspired with Ugandan Deputy High Commissioner John Leonard Mugerwa to arrange the victim’s travel to the UK. Prosecutors described their actions as “very dishonest.” They further alleged that Mugerwa facilitated the young woman’s UK sponsorship in exchange for Mugambe’s intervention in a legal matter involving him.
Jurors also heard that Mugambe attempted to intimidate the victim into withdrawing her support for the prosecution. As the guilty verdicts were read aloud, gasps were heard from the public galler. The court also had to be cleared when Mugambe appeared visibly unwell.
Awaiting Sentencing
Mugambe, 49, is scheduled to be sentenced on May 2. Under UK law, modern slavery offences carry severe penalties, with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Her conviction marks a significant legal precedent, highlighting the UK’s commitment to prosecuting those who exploit vulnerable individuals, regardless of their social or diplomatic status.
