A British jury has convicted United Nations judge Lydia Mugambe of forcing a Ugandan woman into slavery after deceiving her into coming to the United Kingdom.
Prosecutors revealed that Mugambe, who also serves as a high court judge in Uganda, lured the victim with false promises and then exploited her as an unpaid maid and nanny.
The offenses took place while Mugambe was studying for a doctorate in law at the University of Oxford.
Caroline Haughey, a prosecution lawyer, told jurors that Mugambe “exploited and abused” the victim, taking advantage of her unfamiliarity with her rights.
Prosecutors detailed how Mugambe arranged for a Ugandan High Commission contact in London to secure the woman’s visa under the pretense that she would work for a diplomat.
However, upon arrival, the victim was taken to Mugambe’s home, stripped of her passport, and forced into domestic labor.
The woman eventually sought help from a friend, leading to police intervention.
Mugambe, 49, denied all allegations, but an Oxford Crown Court jury found her guilty of all four charges, including forced labor, conspiracy to intimidate a witness, and an immigration offense.
As the verdict was read, gasps filled the courtroom before it was cleared when Mugambe appeared unwell. She is set to be sentenced on May 2.
“Lydia Mugambe used her position to exploit a vulnerable young woman, controlling her freedom and making her work without payment,” said Eran Cutliffe of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Special Crime Division.
“Thanks to the victim’s courage, justice has been served.”