Lydia Mugambe, a Ugandan High Court judge and a judge for the United Nations Criminal Tribunal, has been sentenced to six years and four months in prison by Oxford Crown Court after being found guilty of modern slavery offences in the UK. The 50-year-old was convicted of forcing a young Ugandan woman to work as an unpaid maid and childcare provider while Mugambe pursued a PhD in law at the University of Oxford.
Exploitation Under the Guise of Legal Authority
The court heard that Mugambe exploited her position and status to coerce the victim into servitude. Prosecutors revealed that Mugambe deceitfully arranged for the young woman’s visa, which was officially for employment at the Ugandan embassy in London, but instead forced her into unpaid domestic labor at her home in Kidlington, Oxfordshire. The victim’s passport was confiscated, and she was prevented from seeking paid employment, effectively trapping her in a state of forced labor.
During the trial, it emerged that John Mugerwa, a former deputy high commissioner at the Ugandan embassy in London, facilitated the victim’s visa application despite knowing she would be exploited. Mugambe promised legal assistance to Mugerwa in a separate case in Uganda in exchange for his help. However, Mugerwa enjoyed diplomatic immunity and was not prosecuted.
Charges and Conviction
In March 2025, Mugambe was found guilty on four charges:
- Conspiring to facilitate a breach of UK immigration law
- Facilitating travel with a view to exploitation
- Requiring a person to perform forced or compulsory labor
- Conspiring to intimidate a witness after the trial
Two of these charges fall under the UK’s Modern Slavery Act, highlighting the severity of her crimes.
Court’s Remarks and Victim’s Statement
Judge David Foxton described the case as “very sad,” emphasizing Mugambe’s previous legal accomplishments, including her work in human rights protection. He condemned her for showing “absolutely no remorse” and attempting to “forcibly shift blame” onto the victim.
The victim, who has been granted lifelong anonymity, gave a written statement read in court describing living in “almost constant fear” due to Mugambe’s powerful standing in Uganda. She expressed that she was unable to return home, fearing repercussions and the possibility of never seeing her mother again.
Investigation and Police Statement
The case came to light in February 2023 when Thames Valley Police received a report that the victim was being held as a slave at Mugambe’s residence. A thorough investigation confirmed that Mugambe had intentionally exploited the victim to make her life easier at minimal cost.
Chief Superintendent Ben Clark of Thames Valley Police stated that Mugambe, as a highly qualified lawyer and judge, was fully aware she was committing criminal offences. He highlighted that modern slavery remains an underreported crime and praised the victim’s bravery in coming forward.
This conviction is a rare and high-profile case of modern slavery involving a senior judicial figure and a United Nations judge. It underscores the ongoing challenges of combating human trafficking and forced labor, even among those entrusted with upholding the law.
The case also shines a light on the vulnerabilities of migrant workers and the abuse of power by individuals in positions of authority. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance, legal protections, and support for victims of modern slavery.
