- Lydia Mugambe, a UN judge and Ugandan High Court official is accused of luring a young Ugandan woman to the UK under false pretenses.
- Prosecutors claim she forced the woman into unpaid domestic work and childcare while studying at Oxford University.
- Ugandan Deputy High Commissioner John Leonard Mugerwa allegedly conspired with her in facilitating the victim’s travel.
- Mugambe allegedly tried to intimidate the victim, falsely claiming diplomatic immunity.
- The trial is ongoing at Oxford Crown Court, with Mugambe denying all charges.
A United Nations judge and Ugandan High Court official, Lydia Mugambe, is on trial in the United Kingdom over allegations of human trafficking and forced labor.
Prosecutors claim Mugambe lured a young Ugandan woman to the UK under false pretenses, forcing her into unpaid domestic work and childcare while she pursued her studies at the University of Oxford.
Alleged Exploitation
According to Caroline Haughey KC, the lead prosecutor, Mugambe abused her power and status to exploit the alleged victim “in the most egregious way.”
The court heard that Mugambe conspired with Ugandan Deputy High Commissioner John Leonard Mugerwa to facilitate the woman’s entry into the UK, promising a legitimate sponsorship. In return, Mugambe allegedly offered to influence a legal case involving Mugerwa.
However, once in the UK, the woman was allegedly prevented from seeking paid work and was instead forced into domestic servitude at Mugambe’s Oxfordshire residence.
Intimidation and Legal Manipulation
The prosecution also alleges that Mugambe tried to intimidate the victim into dropping the case, falsely claiming diplomatic immunity due to her roles as a UN judge and Ugandan High Court official. However, the Metropolitan Police’s diplomatic team confirmed that she did not have such immunity in the UK.
According to her UN profile, Mugambe was appointed to the UN’s judicial roster in May 2023—three months after UK authorities were first alerted to the case.
Trial and Denials
Mugambe has denied all four charges against her, insisting she did not exploit or abuse the woman.
The trial, being heard at Oxford Crown Court, is expected to last three weeks as more evidence is presented.
