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Ugandan judge working with the United Nations, Justice Lydia Mugambe, has been sentenced to six years and four months after being convicted of forcing a young Ugandan woman to work as a slave in Britain.
The 50-year-old, who was studying for a PhD in law at the University of Oxford, was found guilty on multiple charges including facilitating a breach of UK immigration law, forcing the victim into labour, and conspiracy to intimidate a witness. The case was heard at Oxford Crown Court.
Mugambe’s conviction stems from her manipulation of the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons.
It was revealed that she coerced the victim into working as her maid and providing free childcare, while also preventing her from securing steady employment.
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The court heard that Mugambe used her status as a High Court judge in Uganda to exploit the victim in the "most egregious way." She had deceived the woman into coming to the UK, promising her work, only to subject her to forced labour.
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Abuse of Power and False Claims of Immunity
During the trial, jurors were shown video footage of Mugambe’s arrest, where she claimed to have "immunity" and insisted she was "not a criminal."
Mugambe told police officers that she held a diplomatic passport and had entered the UK as a student, refuting claims of any wrongdoing. "I didn’t come with her, she asked me because she has worked at my home before, she asked me," Mugambe stated.
Despite the allegations, Mugambe maintained her innocence, asserting that she had acted in good faith. However, her actions were deemed exploitative by the court, leading to her sentencing.
Mugambe was appointed to the UN's judicial roster in May 2023, three months after police were called to her Oxfordshire residence, where the exploitation had taken place.
This case highlights the abuse of power and the lengths to which individuals in positions of authority can go to exploit vulnerable people.