UN Judge Convicted of Modern Slavery in Shocking UK Case

OXFORD, England — A jury at Oxford Crown Court convicted United Nations judge Lydia Mugambe on Thursday for compelling a young Ugandan woman to work as a slave. The 49-year-old, who also serves as a High Court judge in Uganda, was found guilty of several charges including modern slavery and breaching UK immigration laws.

Prosecutors argued that Mugambe abused her judicial position to exploit her victim, who was brought to the UK under false pretenses. Thought to be her maid and childcare provider, the woman was effectively forced into unpaid labor under Mugambe’s control.

“Lydia Mugambe has exploited and abused her alleged victim, taking advantage of her lack of understanding of her rights to paid employment,” Caroline Haughey, prosecuting KC, stated during the trial. She described how Mugambe deceived the young woman about the purpose of her travel to the UK.

Jurors were informed that Mugambe conspired with Ugandan deputy high commissioner John Leonard Mugerwa to arrange the woman’s entry into the UK. In exchange for the Ugandan High Commission sponsoring her entrance, Mugambe agreed to seek a conversation with a judge related to legal matters involving Mugerwa.

When arrested by Thames Valley Police, Mugambe initially believed her judicial immunity would shield her from prosecution. “I am a judge in my country, I even have immunity. I am not a criminal,” she told officers. However, police later clarified that any diplomatic immunity previously associated with her UN position had been waived by the United Nations Secretary-General’s office.

The victim, whose identity is protected under legal provisions, described feelings of isolation and entrapment during her time working for Mugambe. She testified about her limited working hours, stating she felt “lonely” and “stuck.”

After the verdict was announced, gasps were heard from the public gallery and the court was cleared as Mugambe appeared unwell.

Mugambe’s sentencing is set for May 2. She faces serious consequences following this unprecedented conviction, which raises significant concerns about the abuse of power within judicial ranks.

Oxford Crown Court’s ruling emphasizes the imperative of safeguarding victims from modern slavery and holds accountable those who exploit their positions for personal gain. Thames Valley Police Commander Ben Clark reaffirmed the gravity of the case, noting the seriousness of the offenses committed by someone of Mugambe’s legal standing.