UN Judge Lydia Mugambe Sentenced for Slavery of Ugandan Woman in UK
Lydia Mugambe, a UN judge, was sentenced to over six years in prison for forcing a Ugandan woman into slave labor. Found guilty of multiple offenses related to immigration violations and witness intimidation, Mugambe exploited her status to deceive the victim into coming to the UK. Prosecutors described her actions as an egregious abuse of power.
Lydia Mugambe, a 50-year-old United Nations judge, has been sentenced to six years and four months in prison. This verdict stems from her conviction for exploiting a young Ugandan woman, forcing her into slave labor in the UK. Mugambe was found guilty at the Oxford Crown Court for various offenses, including breaching UK immigration law and intimidation of a witness.
The court proceedings revealed that Mugambe, who was studying for her PhD in law at the University of Oxford, exploited her position as a High Court judge in Uganda. She compelled the victim to work as her maid and provide childcare without payment, which severely hampered the woman’s ability to secure stable employment.
During the trial, it was reported that Mugambe lured the victim to the UK under false pretenses. She took advantage of her judicial status, treating the young woman in a “most egregious way.” To further complicate matters, jurors viewed footage of Mugambe asserting her supposed “immunity” from prosecution during her arrest by Thames Valley Police.
In a rather bold claim, Mugambe insisted to officers that she possessed a diplomatic passport and was in the UK strictly as a student. She claimed, “I didn’t come with her, she asked me because she has worked at my home before, she asked me,” attempting to deflect responsibility for the exploitation.
Prosecutor Caroline Haughey KC highlighted Mugambe’s manipulation, stating that she exploited the victim’s lack of understanding regarding her rights to fair employment. Mugambe’s intentions were clear: she sought not only to ease her domestic burdens but to do so at minimal personal cost.
Mugambe coordinated with John Leonard Mugerwa, the Ugandan deputy high commissioner, to arrange the woman’s entry into the UK. This arrangement was characterized as a “very dishonest” trade-off, with Mugabe seeking influence over ongoing legal proceedings involving Mugerwa. Despite the overwhelming evidence, Mugambe denied any wrongdoing, claiming she treated the victim with “love, care and patience.”
The victim’s testimony conveyed severe emotional distress, expressing feelings of loneliness and being confined due to her restricted working conditions. This case raises significant concerns regarding the exploitation of vulnerable individuals and the severe abuse of power by those in positions of authority.
In summary, Lydia Mugambe’s conviction and subsequent sentencing highlight a stark violation of both legal and ethical standards. Her actions represent a troubling abuse of power, particularly given her role as a judge within the UN system. The case underscores the necessity of legal protections for individuals vulnerable to such exploitation and raises systemic questions on accountability among those in authority.
Original Source: news.sky.com
