Omotayo Adigun
Lydia Mugambe, a Ugandan High Court judge and former UN tribunal judge, has been found guilty of modern slavery offenses in the UK. The Oxford Crown Court convicted her on Thursday for facilitating travel for exploitation, forced labor, and conspiracy to intimidate a witness.
According to prosecutors, Mugambe lured a victim from Uganda to the UK under false pretenses, promising legal employment. However, upon arrival, the victim was forced to work as a maid and childcare provider without pay.
Prosecuting lawyer Caroline Haughey KC revealed that Mugambe took advantage of the victim’s lack of knowledge about her rights, confiscating her passport and visa to prevent her from seeking help.
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In a video shared by Thames Valley Police on X (formerly Twitter), Mugambe was seen attempting to claim diplomatic immunity by citing her judicial roles in Uganda and at the United Nations. However, the UN had already revoked any immunity she once held, allowing the case to proceed.
Under UK law, modern slavery crimes carry severe penalties, with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Mugambe is set to be sentenced on May 2.