By BensonNgecu| May 3, 2025 | Oxford, UK
In a landmark ruling that underscores the global nature of modern slavery, Lydia Mugambe, a 50-year-old former Ugandan High Court judge and United Nations tribunal official, has been sentenced to six years and four months in prison by Oxford Crown Court for committing a series of modern slavery offenses against a young Ugandan woman she trafficked into the UK.
Mugambe was convicted in March 2025 on four serious charges: conspiring to facilitate breaches of UK immigration law, arranging travel with a view to exploitation, requiring a person to perform forced or compulsory labor, and conspiring to intimidate a witness.
A Promise Turned Prison
The case revolved around a Ugandan woman, referred to as “Rona” for legal protection, who was lured to the United Kingdom with the promise of opportunity. Mugambe, then studying for a PhD in law at Oxford University, worked with Uganda’s former deputy high commissioner to the UK, John Leonard Mugerwa, to secure Rona a visa under false pretenses.
Once in the UK, Rona’s life took a dark turn. Her passport and bank card were confiscated. She was forced into unpaid labor in Mugambe’s Kidlington home—working as a domestic maid and caring for her children, all while under constant threat and surveillance.
“She was hidden in plain sight,” said lead prosecutor Caroline Haughey KC. “Lydia Mugambe exploited and abused [Rona], taking advantage of her lack of understanding of her rights to properly paid employment and deceiving her as to the purpose of her coming to the UK.”
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Obstruction and Immunity Claims
The abuse came to light when Rona, with the help of a friend, reported her situation to authorities. During the ensuing police investigation, Mugambe attempted to interfere with the case by contacting Rona’s family in Uganda, urging them to persuade her to drop the charges.
At the time of her arrest, Mugambe invoked her diplomatic status, declaring:
“I am a judge in my country, I even have immunity. I am not a criminal.”
Her claims were swiftly dismissed after the United Nations waived any immunity she might have had.
Justice Delivered
In delivering the sentence, the presiding judge condemned Mugambe’s abuse of power and her total lack of remorse. Alongside the prison term, she was ordered to pay £12,160 in compensation to the victim and was issued a lifelong restraining order.
Mugambe has since resigned from her judicial role with the UN and has been suspended from her academic studies at Oxford University.
A Case with Global Implications
This ruling sends a strong message: even individuals at the highest levels of power and influence are not above the law. Modern slavery, often thought of as a hidden or foreign issue, continues to take root globally—including in countries with strong legal frameworks.
As Rona rebuilds her life, authorities and advocacy groups are calling for increased vigilance and reporting mechanisms to ensure that others do not suffer in silence.
If you suspect someone is a victim of modern slavery, contact your local authorities or reach out to support services anonymously.
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