UN Judge Lydia Mugambe Sentenced to Over 6 Years for Modern Slavery in the UK
A British court on Friday sentenced Lydia Mugambe, a Ugandan High Court judge and United Nations official, to six years and four months in prison for offences under the UK Modern Slavery Act.
The 50-year-old jurist was convicted by the Oxford Crown Court for exploiting a young woman—whose identity remains protected—by forcing her to work as a domestic maid and childcare provider without pay while Mugambe pursued law studies at Oxford University.
Exploiting Power and Status
The jury found Mugambe guilty on multiple counts, including:
- Conspiracy to break UK immigration law
- Facilitating travel with intent to exploit
- Forcing someone to work against their will
- Witness intimidation
According to court evidence, Mugambe used her influence and status to coerce the victim into domestic servitude, denying her the opportunity to hold lawful employment in the UK.
Victim Lived in Constant Fear
During the trial, the victim submitted a written statement describing her experience as one of “almost constant fear,” citing Mugambe’s high-ranking position in Uganda as a source of intimidation.
The court also heard that Mugambe attempted to pressure the woman to drop the case, leading to a conviction for conspiracy to intimidate a witness.
Judge: “A Very Sad Case”
Delivering the sentence, Judge David Foxton acknowledged Mugambe’s notable legal career but described her actions as an “illegal folly” that exploited the trust placed in her.
“This is a very sad case. The defendant used her elevated status in an entirely unacceptable way,” Foxton said.
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