In a landmark case, Ugandan High Court Judge Lydia Mugambe, also a United Nations criminal tribunal judge, has been convicted by the Oxford Crown Court of modern slavery and immigration offences. The 49-year-old, who had been studying for a PhD in law at Oxford University, was found guilty of exploiting a young Ugandan girl, forcing her into unpaid domestic labor under false pretenses.
Mugambe was convicted on Thursday after a trial that revealed she used her judicial status to facilitate the victim’s illegal travel to the UK. The victim, who had been promised employment as a domestic worker for the Ugandan High Commissioner to the UK, John Mugerwa, arrived in Oxford expecting legitimate work. However, Mugambe deceitfully arranged her visa and informed the girl that she would instead work as her housemaid, with the promise of a salary and the chance to seek other employment.
Once in the UK, however, the victim found herself trapped in a life of servitude. She was never paid for her childcare duties and had her identification documents withheld, which made it nearly impossible for her to find stable work elsewhere. Isolated and without legal documents, the victim struggled to maintain any sense of control over her life. She described feeling “very stuck” and “losing all hope” during her ordeal.
The case came to light in February 2023 when Thames Valley Police received a report about the victim being held in forced labor at Mugambe’s home in Kidlington. The investigation uncovered that Mugambe had paid for the girl’s plane ticket, facilitated her travel to the UK, and fabricated a work contract in collaboration with Mugerwa, who, in his capacity as the Ugandan High Commissioner, had the authority to sponsor a domestic worker’s visa. However, Mugambe exploited her situation by forcing her into domestic servitude instead.
The jury convicted Mugambe on several charges, including:
- Conspiracy to facilitate a breach of UK immigration law by a non-UK national.
- Arranging or facilitating travel for exploitation.
- Forcing a person into compulsory labor.
- Conspiring to intimidate a witness.
These convictions carry severe penalties, with the most serious offences, including slavery and human trafficking, potentially resulting in life imprisonment.
The trial also revealed the extent of the victim’s distress, as she was isolated, struggled with limited working hours, and lived in constant fear. Jurors heard that the victim’s condition deteriorated over time, leading her to feel increasingly hopeless.
Mugambe’s conviction has shocked both legal communities and human rights advocates, considering her prestigious positions as both a judge and law scholar. The Honourable Mr. Justice Foxton, who oversaw the trial, will now preside over her sentencing, scheduled for May 2, 2025.
This case highlights the disturbing intersection of power, corruption, and human exploitation, and serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of individuals who fall prey to modern slavery, even in positions of power and influence.
