Lydia Mugambe jailed for six years and four months after a UK court convicted her of modern slavery offences. She forced a Ugandan woman into domestic servitude while studying for a PhD in law at Oxford University.
Mugambe, a UN judge and high court justice in Uganda, took advantage of her powerful position. She blocked the woman from working and made her serve as a maid and provide childcare. The jury found her guilty in March of four charges, including forced labor and witness intimidation.
Judge Foxton sentenced her at Oxford Crown Court on Friday. He described it as a “very sad case” given her past work in human rights. However, he said Mugambe showed “absolutely no remorse” and tried to shift blame onto the victim.
The court issued a restraining order to stop her from contacting the woman in any way. In a written statement, the victim said she lived in “almost constant fear” because of Mugambe’s status in Uganda. She added that returning home was not an option and feared she may never see her mother again.
Prosecutor Caroline Haughey KC said Mugambe lied to bring the woman to the UK. She then exploited her lack of knowledge about UK employment rights. Haughey described a “clear and significant imbalance of power” between them.
UK authorities have granted the woman asylum. Officials recognized her fear of persecution in Uganda as real and justified.
Defence lawyer Paul Raudnitz KC acknowledged Mugambe’s “glittering legal career.” He also noted the public support she received after her conviction. A small group gathered outside the court, chanting “Justice for Lydia Mugambe” before the sentencing.
Raudnitz confirmed that Mugambe had resigned from her UN position. She joined the UN judicial roster in May 2023. This was three months after police visited her Oxfordshire home.
Despite her legal achievements, the court found she had abused her position. The ruling sends a strong message about accountability in cases of exploitation, even at the highest levels.
Read: Lydia Mugambe Slavery Case: UK Court Set to Sentence Judge
