Ugandan high court judge arrested in UK for human trafficking

A Ugandan High Court judge and UN judicial officer, Lydia Mugambe, has been found guilty of human trafficking and conspiracy to intimidate a victim in a case that has shocked legal observers.

As reported by Africa News on March 15th, Mugambe was arrested in the UK under the Modern Slavery Act after authorities uncovered allegations that she had exploited a young Ugandan woman.

Police footage showed her in disbelief as officers informed her of the charges, insisting she had diplomatic immunity and denying any wrongdoing.

Mugambe was arrested by Thames Valley Police earlier this year.

Prosecutors argued that the Ugandan high court judge deceived the victim about the purpose of her travel to the UK and subjected her to unfair working conditions.

They also claimed she had conspired with Uganda’s deputy high commissioner, John Leonard Mugerwa, who allegedly helped facilitate the woman’s entry into the country.

In return, Mugambe purportedly agreed to intervene in a legal matter on Mugerwa’s behalf.

The victim, whose identity remains protected, testified that she felt trapped and isolated while in the UK whilst under the control of Mugambe, who was supposed to be looking after her.

Mugambe, who was studying for a law PhD at Oxford, denied coercing her into unpaid labor, asserting that she had treated her with kindness.

Following her conviction, Thames Valley Police confirmed that the United Nations waived any diplomatic immunity Mugambe might have had.

The courtroom reacted with audible gasps when the verdict was delivered, and proceedings were briefly paused after Mugambe appeared unwell .

The case underscores concerns over labor exploitation and the misuse of diplomatic privileges, highlighting how legal loopholes can be manipulated to facilitate abuse.

Mugambe now faces sentencing in what is expected to be a landmark ruling on human trafficking within diplomatic circles.

Africa News