A United Nations judge, Lydia Mugambe, has been sentenced to six years and four months in prison for forcing a young Ugandan woman to work as a domestic slave in her home. Mugambe, aged 50, was pursuing a PhD in law at the University of Oxford when authorities discovered the unlawful situation. The young woman was working unpaid as a maid and nanny at Mugambe’s residence in Kidlington, Oxfordshire.
Mugambe, who also serves as a High Court judge in Uganda, was convicted of modern-day slavery offenses in March and sentenced at Oxford Crown Court. During sentencing, Judge David Foxton criticized Mugambe for showing "absolutely no remorse" for her actions, noting her attempts to blame the victim for the circumstances she created.
The court heard that Mugambe had fraudulently arranged a visa for the victim, which falsely indicated that she would be employed as a private servant at the diplomatic residence of John Mugerwa, Uganda's former deputy high commissioner in London. Prosecutors revealed that Mr. Mugerwa sponsored the victim’s visa, fully aware that she would work in servitude for Mugambe. In return, Mugambe was to assist Mr. Mugerwa with a separate legal case in Uganda.
Mugambe financed the victim's travel and collected her from the airport, after which the young woman was subjected to slavery at Mugambe's home. Judge Foxton remarked on the "very sad case," acknowledging Mugambe's accomplishments in the legal field, especially in human rights protection, making her actions even more troubling.
In a statement presented by prosecutor Caroline Haughey KC, the victim described living in "almost constant fear" due to Mugambe’s influential position in Uganda. The victim, whose identity is protected for legal reasons, expressed her fear of returning to Uganda and the potential consequences, adding that she might never see her mother again.
Prosecutor Haughey highlighted the exploitation, emphasizing the power imbalance in the relationship between Mugambe and the victim. Mugambe took advantage of the victim's lack of knowledge about employment rights and misled her about the purpose of her trip to the UK. Despite evidence, Mugambe denied forcing the young woman to perform household chores, claiming she treated her with love and care.
The Crown Prosecution Service had approved charges of conspiracy against Mr. Mugerwa, but he was shielded by diplomatic immunity, which the Ugandan Government did not waive. Chief Superintendent Ben Clark of Thames Valley Police stated Mugambe was undoubtedly aware of her criminal actions, emphasizing the underreported nature of modern slavery and expressing hope that the victim’s bravery might encourage others to come forward.
The University of Oxford expressed shock and disappointment at Mugambe’s crimes. A university spokesperson confirmed that they are initiating a disciplinary process which could result in expulsion for students convicted of serious offenses.