UN Judge Lydia Mugambe convicted of modern slavery in UK

A United Nations judge, Lydia Mugambe, has been found guilty of modern slavery offences after using her position to exploit a young woman as her maid in the UK.

The 49-year-old Ugandan High Court judge was convicted by a jury at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday for conspiring to breach UK immigration law, facilitating travel for exploitation, forcing someone to work, and intimidating a witness.

Prosecutor Caroline Haughey revealed that Mugambe deceived the victim about the true purpose of her visit to the UK, exploiting her lack of knowledge about employment rights. The victim was reportedly forced to work without pay, providing both maid services and childcare.

The court also heard that Mugambe, who was studying at the University of Oxford at the time, collaborated with Ugandan Deputy High Commissioner John Leonard Mugerwa to arrange the victim’s sponsorship to the UK. It was alleged that this arrangement was made in exchange for Mugambe’s attempt to influence a judge in a legal case.

While Mugambe denied the charges, claiming she had always treated the victim with kindness, the victim told the court that she felt “lonely” and “trapped” during her time in the UK.

Mugambe was appointed to the United Nations’ judicial roster on May 26, 2023, before her conviction.