A United Nations judge has been convicted in the United Kingdom on charges related to modern slavery. Lydia Mugambe, 49, a Ugandan national and high court judge, was found guilty of facilitating illegal immigration, forced labor, and witness intimidation after exploiting a young woman she brought to the UK.
Mugambe, who had been pursuing a law PhD at Oxford University, was convicted on Thursday at Oxford Crown Court. She will be sentenced on May 2.
Prosecutors described her actions as a “grave abuse of power,” highlighting how she used her status to enslave the victim under the guise of providing an opportunity. After arranging the woman’s travel to the UK, Mugambe forced her to work as an unpaid maid and caretaker while preventing her from seeking employment elsewhere.
“Lydia Mugambe has exploited and abused [the victim],” prosecutor Caroline Haughey told the jury. “She deceived her about the purpose of coming to the UK and took advantage of her vulnerability for personal gain.”
The victim testified that she felt “lonely” and “trapped” as she was denied financial independence and any means to leave. The prosecution argued that Mugambe’s real intention was to “make her life easier at the least possible cost to herself.”
Upon her arrest, Mugambe appeared stunned and attempted to claim diplomatic immunity, citing her possession of a diplomatic passport. However, her plea was dismissed.
Mugambe was appointed to the UN’s judicial roster in May 2023, according to official UN records. Her conviction marks a significant embarrassment for the organization, raising concerns over vetting processes for international judicial appointments.
With her sentencing set for May, this case stands as a stark example of how power and influence can be weaponized for exploitation—even by those entrusted with upholding justice.