A United Nations judge has been found guilty of forcing a Ugandan woman to work as a slave in the UK after tricking her into moving there.
Lydia Mugambe, 49, a high court judge in Uganda, was convicted on four charges, including forced labor and witness intimidation, by a British jury at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday. She is due to be sentenced on May 2.
Mugambe was studying for a doctorate in law at the University of Oxford when the crimes took place.
Prosecutors said she deceived the victim into believing she would have a better life in the UK, only to make her work as an unpaid maid and babysitter.
As the guilty verdicts were read out, gasps were heard in the courtroom. The session was briefly stopped when Mugambe appeared unwell, and she was given medical attention.
What happens next?
Mugambe could face serious consequences under UK law, including:
Life imprisonment – The maximum sentence for human trafficking and forced labor.
Confiscation of assets – Any money or property gained from the crime could be seized.
Restrictions on future activities – She may face strict legal orders to prevent her from committing similar crimes.
Compensation to the victim – She may be ordered to pay the victim damages.
Reaction to the case
The case has shocked many in Uganda and internationally, with people questioning how a judge responsible for upholding the law could commit such crimes.
Mugambe was appointed to a UN court in May 2023, and her future in the organisation is now in doubt.
Legal experts believe she will receive a tough sentence, with the UK taking a strong stance against modern slavery.
The victim, who is under protection, has not yet spoken publicly but is receiving support from human rights groups.
Does diplomatic immunity apply in this case?
Although Mugambe was serving as a UN judge, diplomatic immunity does not protect individuals from prosecution for serious crimes such as human trafficking and forced labor.
In most cases, immunity applies to official duties, not personal misconduct.
However, the UK legal system has jurisdiction over crimes committed within its territory, meaning Mugambe’s conviction and sentencing will proceed under British law.
The sentencing will take place on May 2.
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