A British jury convicted Lydia Mugambe, a United Nations judge, on Thursday for exploiting a young woman by tricking her into coming to the UK and forcing her to work as a slave. Mugambe, 49, took advantage of her position and subjected the victim to forced labor, preventing her from seeking other employment while making her work as a maid and childcare provider without pay, according to prosecutors.
Mugambe, who serves as a high court judge in Uganda, was found guilty of multiple offenses, including conspiring to breach UK immigration law, facilitating travel for exploitation, and forcing someone to work. The trial also revealed she had attempted to intimidate a witness.
Prosecutor Caroline Haughey told the court that Mugambe exploited the young woman’s lack of understanding of her rights and deceived her about the true purpose of her trip to the UK. The jury was convinced that Mugambe’s intent was to “make her life easier at the least cost,” by taking advantage of the victim’s vulnerability.
Despite denying the allegations, Mugambe claimed she treated the victim with care and respect. However, the victim testified that she felt isolated and trapped due to limited working hours and a lack of freedom. She had no control over her ID documents and was forced to work for Mugambe from the moment she arrived.
Mugambe’s arrest, captured by Thames Valley police, showed her disbelief as she was told she was being arrested under the Modern Slavery Act. She initially claimed diplomatic immunity, stating, “I am a judge in my country, I even have immunity. I am not a criminal.”
Mugambe, appointed to the UN’s judicial roster in May 2023, just months after police were called to her home, is scheduled to be sentenced on May 2.
