United Nations Judge Lydia Mugambe Jailed in UK for Enslaving Housekeeper

A Ugandan High Court judge and former United Nations official, Lydia Mugambe, has been sentenced to six years and four months in a UK prison after being found guilty of keeping a young Ugandan woman in conditions of modern slavery.

The verdict was handed down by Oxford Crown Court, where Mugambe was convicted of multiple offenses, including forced labor, conspiracy to exploit, immigration violations, and witness intimidation.

While pursuing a PhD in law at Oxford University, Mugambe reportedly coerced the victim—also from Uganda—into unpaid domestic and childcare work. Prosecutors said Mugambe used her authority and political influence to control the woman, who was brought into the UK under false pretenses and denied any independence.

The court heard that the victim lived in fear, describing her time in Mugambe’s household as one of constant intimidation and psychological abuse. The woman has since been granted asylum in the UK, citing a real risk of persecution if she returned to Uganda.

During sentencing, the judge described the case as a “deeply troubling abuse of power,” emphasizing Mugambe’s complete lack of remorse and her attempts to shift blame onto the victim.

Mugambe, who had previously built a reputation as a human rights advocate, has resigned from her UN-affiliated role following the conviction. A restraining order was also issued to prevent any future contact with the victim.

Despite the damning evidence, several demonstrators were seen outside the court expressing support for Mugambe. Nonetheless, the court maintained that her actions had irreparably damaged the victim’s trust, freedom, and well-being.