A senior United Nations and Ugandan High Court judge has been sentenced to over six years in prison after being found guilty of enslaving a young woman while studying at the University of Oxford.
Lydia Mugambe, 50, used her status and influence to manipulate and exploit the Ugandan woman, who had been brought to the UK under false pretenses. While claiming to support the woman’s ambitions, Mugambe instead forced her into domestic servitude and childcare duties, denying her legal employment opportunities.
Oxford Crown Court heard that Mugambe conspired with Uganda’s deputy high commissioner to the UK, John Leonard Mugerwa, in what prosecutors described as a “dishonest trade-off.” In return for Mugerwa arranging the woman’s UK sponsorship, Mugambe promised to influence a judge in Uganda regarding legal action involving Mugerwa.
Mugambe was convicted in March on multiple counts, including facilitating travel with a view to exploitation, conspiracy to breach immigration laws, and conspiracy to intimidate a witness.
During sentencing, prosecutors revealed how the victim lived in “almost constant fear,” fearing retaliation if she returned to Uganda. In her statement, the woman said she may never see her mother again due to the risks.
Police bodycam footage showed Mugambe’s disbelief during her arrest as she claimed diplomatic immunity, stating, “I am a judge in my country… I am not a criminal.”
Judge Michael Gledhill KC sentenced Mugambe to six years and four months in prison, condemning her for exploiting the vulnerable woman under the guise of legal mentorship.
