UN Judge Convicted of Modern Slavery in UK

Lydia Mugambe found guilty of exploiting and abusing a young woman, forcing her into servitude.

Lydia Mugambe, a 49-year-old judge associated with the UN and a high court judge in Uganda, has been convicted of multiple offenses related to modern slavery, including forcing a young woman into servitude.

The verdict was delivered by a jury at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday.

Mugambe was found guilty of conspiring to breach UK immigration law, facilitating travel with a view to exploitation, forcing someone to work without remuneration, and conspiring to intimidate a witness.

Prosecutors outlined that Mugambe took advantage of her judicial status to exploit the victim, preventing her from obtaining legitimate employment and compelling her to act as a maid and provide childcare.

During the trial, prosecution lawyer Caroline Haughey KC described Mugambe's actions as indicative of a severe abuse of power.

The victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, reportedly arrived in the UK with misconceptions about her employment rights, a situation exploited by Mugambe.

Haughey stated, "Lydia Mugambe has exploited and abused [the 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."

Evidence presented during the trial suggested that Mugambe's motive was to ease her own domestic burdens at minimal financial cost.

The victim testified to feeling isolated and restricted, with limited opportunities for independent work.

According to Haughey, upon the victim's arrival, she was immediately coerced into unpaid labor as a maid, compromising her freedom and access to personal identification documents.

Footage from Mugambe's arrest by Thames Valley Police captured her surprise at being detained under the Modern Slavery Act.

In a conversation with officers, she asserted her status, claiming, "I am a judge in my country, I even have immunity.

I am not a criminal," and referenced her diplomatic passport.

Mugambe was appointed to the UN's judicial roster in May 2023, just three months following police intervention at her residence in Oxfordshire.

Sentencing for the case is scheduled for 2 May.