A Ugandan High Court judge has been convicted of human trafficking in the UK, a case that has sparked outrage in both countries. Lydia Mugambe, a senior judicial officer and United Nations (UN) judge, was found guilty of exploiting a young Ugandan woman and conspiring to intimidate her. The UK court ruling raises concerns about modern slavery and abuse of diplomatic privileges.
Mugambe, who was studying for a PhD in law at the University of Oxford, lured the victim to the UK under false pretenses, prosecutors told the court. The woman, whose identity is protected, was promised opportunities but instead found herself trapped in unfair and exploitative conditions. Thames Valley Police confirmed that the UN waived Mugambe’s diplomatic immunity, allowing her prosecution under the Modern Slavery Act.
The case also implicated John Leonard Mugerwa, Uganda’s deputy high commissioner, who allegedly helped facilitate the victim’s entry into the UK. In exchange, Mugambe reportedly agreed to intervene in a legal case for Mugerwa. Courtroom footage showed the judge in disbelief as officers informed her of the charges, which she denied. Gasps were heard when the verdict was read, and proceedings were briefly halted when Mugambe appeared to feel unwell.
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The victim testified that she felt isolated and powerless in the UK, unable to escape the situation. “I had no one to turn to,” she told the court. The prosecution argued that Mugambe’s status as a judge and UN officer gave her significant power over the victim. The judge’s defense maintained she had always treated the woman with kindness and had no intention of exploitation.
Mugambe now faces sentencing, with legal experts saying her conviction sets a precedent for holding powerful figures accountable for labor exploitation. The UK’s Modern Slavery Act has been instrumental in cracking down on such cases, with over 300 human trafficking convictions recorded in 2023 alone. Ugandan authorities have yet to comment on whether Mugambe will face further legal consequences at home.
This case has reignited debates about the abuse of diplomatic status and the hidden realities of modern slavery. Advocates urge governments to strengthen protections for domestic workers, particularly those brought into foreign countries under false promises.
