A judge associated with the United Nations has been found guilty of coercing a young woman into labour. Lydia Mugambe allegedly exploited her authority over the victim by preventing her from securing stable employment while compelling her to work as a maid and provide childcare without compensation. Mugambe, a 49-year-old High Court judge in Uganda, was convicted of multiple charges including facilitating travel for exploitation and forcing an individual to work. The sentencing for these charges is set to take place at Oxford Crown Court on May 2.
Thames Valley Police released footage showing Mugambe expressing surprise at being arrested under the Modern Slavery Act. In a conversation with an officer, she asserted her immunity as a judge in her country, citing her diplomatic passport as proof. Despite her claims, Mugambe denied any criminal wrongdoing, emphasizing that the young woman had voluntarily asked to work for her. Gasps were reportedly heard in the courtroom as Mugambe’s guilty verdict was announced, prompting her to become visibly unwell and the court to be cleared.
Prosecutors alleged that Mugambe exploited the victim by deceiving her about employment rights and the purpose of her travel to the UK. It was claimed that Mugambe collaborated with Ugandan deputy high commissioner John Leonard Mugerwa to bring the young woman to the UK under false pretenses. Furthermore, Mugambe was accused of attempting to sway the victim to withdraw her support for the prosecution and have charges against her dropped. Despite Mugambe’s claims of showing care and affection towards the victim, the court heard testimonies suggesting otherwise.
Mugambe’s trial revealed her intentions of seeking someone to assist her in daily tasks at minimal cost. She denied allegations of forcing the victim to perform household chores, stating that she always treated her with kindness and patience. The victim, unnamed for legal reasons, expressed feelings of isolation and entrapment due to restricted work hours in the UK. Mugambe’s UN profile indicates her appointment to the organization’s judicial roster in May 2023, following an incident where police were called to her residence. Ch Supt Ben Clark of Thames Valley Police emphasized that Mugambe’s claims of diplomatic immunity were nullified by the United Nations Secretary General’s office
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