Justice Lydia Mugambe, 50,aprominent Ugandan High Court judge and former United Nations tribunal member, has been sentenced to six years and four months in prison by Oxford Crown Court for enslaving a young Ugandan woman under the guise of employment.
However, she was found guilty of conspiring to facilitate the commission of a breach of UK immigration law, facilitating travel with a view to exploitation, forcing someone to work, and conspiracy to intimidate a witness after a trial at Oxford Crown Court.
The court, in its ruling on Friday, May 02, heard that while pursuing a PhD in law at the University of Oxford, Mugambe lured the victim, referred to as “Rona,” to the UK with promises of legitimate work. Upon arrival, Rona was subjected to unpaid labor and childcare duties, her passport was confiscated, and her movements were restricted.
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The court found that Mugambe exploited her legal expertise and status to manipulate and intimidate the victim, including attempts to coerce her into withdrawing her testimony.
Prosecutors revealed that Mugambe conspired with John Leonard Mugerwa, Uganda’s former deputy high commissioner in London, to facilitate Rona’s travel under false pretenses. Communications between the two indicated a “dishonest trade-off,” where Mugerwa arranged for the Ugandan High Commission to sponsor Rona’s visa in exchange for Mugambe’s assistance in a separate legal matter involving him.
During the trial, Mugambe attempted to claim diplomatic immunity, citing her positions as a Ugandan judge and UN official. However, the United Nations waived any immunity, allowing the case to proceed.
In conclusion, the court emphasized Mugambe’s lack of remorse and her attempts to blame the victim, highlighting the severity of her actions given her background in human rights law.
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