A Ugandan High Court Judge and a UN criminal tribunal judge, Lydia Mugambe, has been found guilty of forcing a young woman into slavery in the UK.
The Oxford Crown Court delivered the verdict on Thursday, convicting Mugambe of breaching UK immigration law, facilitating travel for exploitation, forced labour, and conspiracy to intimidate a witness, RT reports.
Prosecutors revealed that Mugambe deceived the victim into travelling from Uganda to the United Kingdom with promises of legitimate employment. Instead, the woman was forced to work without pay as a maid and provide childcare services. Mugambe reportedly confiscated her passport and visa, restricting her freedom and ability to seek help.
The prosecuting lawyer, Caroline Haughey KC, stated that Mugambe “exploited and abused” the victim, taking advantage of her lack of understanding of her rights. The victim testified that she felt “lonely” and trapped after arriving in the UK.
In a video posted on X by Thames Valley Police, Mugambe attempted to invoke diplomatic immunity, referencing her roles as a judge in Uganda and at the UN.
However, it was learnt that the UN waived any immunity she might have had, allowing the legal proceedings to continue.
Meanwhile, Mugambe is scheduled to be sentenced on May 2. Under UK law, modern slavery offences carry severe penalties, with the maximum sentence being life imprisonment.
https://www.rt.com/africa/614205-un-judge-convicted-in-slavery-trial