A Ugandan and United Nations Judge has been jailed in UK for over six years for forcing a young woman to work without pay while the Judge studied at the University of Oxford.
Lydia Mugambe, 50, was sentenced to six years and four months in prison for four offenses, including two charges under Britain’s Modern Slavery Act, after a trial at Oxford Crown Court.
She tricked a young Ugandan woman into coming to Britain in 2022 to work as a maid without payment.
Mugambe, a Judge of Uganda’s High Court since 2013, was appointed a UN Judge in 2023.
Mugambe was convicted of modern slavery offences in March 2025, and sentenced at Oxford Crown on Friday, May 2, 2025.
During hearing, Judge David Foxton condemned Mugambe for showing “absolutely no remorse” and for attempting to blame the victim.
He described the case as “very sad”, especially considering Mugambe’s prior work in human rights law.
The court heard that Mugambe arranged a fraudulent visa for the victim, claiming she would be employed as a paid servant at the London residence of John Mugerwa, Uganda’s former Deputy High Commissioner.
However, the woman was instead taken directly to Mugambe’s home in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, where she was forced into servitude.
Prosecutors revealed that Mugambe and Mr. Mugerwa entered into mutual arrangement:
Mugerwa sponsored the victim visa in exchange for Mugambe’s legal support in a separate court case in Uganda.
Although charges were approved against Mugerwa for conspiracy, he was not prosecuted due to the diplomatic immunity, which the Ugandan government declined to waive.
Footage shown in court captured the moment Mugambe attempted to evade arrest by claiming diplomatic immunity, stating, “I even have immunity”.
Chief Superintendent, Ben Clark of Thames Valley Police praised the victim courage.
“There is no doubt that Mugambe knew she was committing offences
“Modern slavery is hidden and under-reported crime, and we hope this case encourages other victims to speak out”, he said.
-9News Nigeria.
