A Ugandan High Court judge has been convicted of human trafficking and conspiracy to intimidate a victim in a case that has drawn international attention.
Lydia Mugambe, who also served as a judicial officer for the United Nations, was arrested in the United Kingdom under the Modern Slavery Act. Police footage showed her reacting with disbelief as officers informed her of the charges. She claimed diplomatic immunity and denied any wrongdoing.
Prosecutors argued that Mugambe exploited a young Ugandan woman, misleading her about the purpose of her travel to the UK and subjecting her to unfair working conditions. They also alleged that she conspired with Ugandan Deputy High Commissioner John Leonard Mugerwa to facilitate the woman’s entry into the country in exchange for intervening in a legal matter involving him.
The victim, whose identity remains protected, testified that she felt isolated and trapped in the UK. Mugambe, who was pursuing a PhD in law at the University of Oxford, denied coercing the woman into unpaid labor, saying she had always treated her with kindness.
Following her conviction, Thames Valley Police confirmed that the United Nations had waived any diplomatic immunity Mugambe may have had. Gasps were heard in the courtroom as the verdict was read, and proceedings were briefly halted when she appeared unwell.
The case has raised concerns over labor exploitation and the misuse of diplomatic privileges.