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A United Nations judge has been found guilty of modern slavery offenses after exploiting her position to coerce a young woman into working as her maid.
Lydia Mugambe, 49, 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.
Mugambe, who also serves as a High Court judge in Uganda, forced the unnamed victim to work for her without pay, providing both maid services and childcare.
Prosecutor Caroline Haughey stated that Mugambe had exploited the victim’s lack of knowledge regarding her employment rights, deceiving her about the true purpose of her visit to the UK. As a result, Mugambe was found to have violated the UK’s modern slavery act.
The court also heard that Mugambe, who was studying at the University of Oxford at the time, had collaborated with Ugandan deputy high commissioner John Leonard Mugerwa to arrange the victim’s sponsorship to the UK.
This arrangement was reportedly made in exchange for Mugambe’s attempt to influence a judge involved in legal proceedings.
Mugambe denied the allegations, claiming she had always treated the victim with kindness. However, the victim described feeling “lonely” and “trapped” during her time in the UK.
Mugambe was added to the United Nations’ judicial roster on May 26, 2023, following her appointment to the organisation.
