- UN judge Mugambe convicted of slavery
- Found guilty of immigration violations and witness intimidation
- Arrested, claiming diplomatic immunity
A United Nations judge has been found guilty of forcing a young woman into slavery.
Prosecutors stated that Lydia Mugambe “exploited her position” over her victim by preventing her from securing steady employment and forcing her to work as a maid and provide childcare without pay.
The 49-year-old, who also serves as a High Court judge in Uganda, was convicted on charges of conspiring to aid a violation of UK immigration law, facilitating travel for exploitation purposes, forcing labor, and conspiring to intimidate a witness.
She will be sentenced on May 2 at Oxford Crown Court.
In footage released by Thames Valley Police, Mugambe appeared stunned when an officer informed her that she was being arrested under the Modern Slavery Act.
During the exchange, Mugambe told the officer: “I am a judge in my country, I even have immunity. I am not a criminal.”
When asked to confirm her immunity, Mugambe responded, “Yes, I have a diplomatic passport.”
The conversation concluded with Mugambe saying: “I came here as a student, I don’t need anyone to work for me. I didn’t bring her here; she asked me. She has worked at my home before and asked me for help.”
