UN Judge Sentenced to 6 Years for Enslaving Ugandan Househelp in UK
In a ruling that has sent shockwaves across Africa and beyond, a United Nations and Ugandan High Court judge has been sentenced to prison in the United Kingdom for enslaving a fellow Ugandan woman.
Justice Lydia Mugambe, a respected legal figure both locally and internationally, was handed a six-year, four-month sentence by the Oxford Crown Court after being found guilty of modern-day slavery and human trafficking.
Brought to the UK Under False Pretences
The 50-year-old judge had been pursuing a PhD in Law at the University of Oxford when she lured the victim, a young woman from Uganda, to the UK under the guise of formal employment. The woman was promised a domestic job at the diplomatic residence of Uganda’s former deputy high commissioner, John Mugerwa, but instead ended up working unpaid as a househelp and nanny in Mugambe’s private home in Kidlington, Oxfordshire.
According to court documents, Mugambe financed the woman’s flight and picked her up personally at the airport—only to subject her to degrading conditions. Prosecutors said the arrangement was premeditated, and that Mugambe and Mugerwa had colluded to exploit the victim in exchange for favours in a separate legal matter back in Uganda.
No Remorse, Only Blame
The presiding judge, David Foxton, criticized Mugambe’s conduct and lack of remorse during the trial. Instead of taking responsibility, she reportedly blamed the victim for the situation.
In a moving court statement, the victim revealed that she lived in fear of the judge’s power and influence back home and had no way to escape her situation.
“She controlled every aspect of my life. I couldn’t leave. I feared for my safety,” the woman said.
Public Reactions Split
The case has sparked intense debate online. While some defended Mugambe, claiming the domestic worker used her as a stepping stone to seek asylum, others called her actions disgraceful and a betrayal of public trust.
“She’s a disgrace to the judiciary and to African women in leadership,” wrote one commenter.
“This conviction should serve as a wake-up call to leaders who abuse their positions,” said another.
A Cautionary Tale
Mugambe’s fall from grace marks a sobering moment for the justice system, both in Uganda and internationally. Her conviction is one of the rare instances where a high-ranking African official has been successfully prosecuted for slavery under UK law.
Human rights advocates have applauded the verdict, saying it sets a precedent that no one is above the law—regardless of their title or status.
What’s Next?
It remains to be seen whether the Ugandan judiciary will take any action against Mugambe’s local position, or if any political fallout will follow. For now, the message is clear: even those tasked with upholding justice can be held accountable when they become perpetrators of injustice.
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UN Judge Sentenced to 6 Years for Enslaving Ugandan Househelp in UK