A United Nations judge has been convicted of human trafficking and forced labor, raising serious questions about breaches of justice and trust within high-level authorities.
Key Takeaways
- A British jury convicted United Nations judge Lydia Mugambe of forcing a young Ugandan woman to work as a slave in the U.K.
- Mugambe was studying for a doctorate in law at the University of Oxford during the offenses.
- She deceived the victim into coming to the U.K. and exploited her lack of understanding of her rights.
- Upon arrival in Britain, the woman was taken to Mugambe’s home and forced to work as an unpaid nanny, with her passport and visa taken away.
- The Crown Prosecution Service highlighted the victim’s courage in coming forward, which was crucial in bringing Mugambe to justice.
A Breach of Justice
A British jury has found Lydia Mugambe, a United Nations judge, guilty of trafficking a young Ugandan woman into forced labor, undermining the values of justice and protection that the UN stands for. During the offenses, Mugambe was pursuing a doctorate in law at the University of Oxford, and later took a prestigious position at the U.N. International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals in May 2023.
Appalling crimes took place as Mugambe manipulated the woman into coming to the UK, exploiting her lack of understanding about her rights. Once in Britain, Mugambe confiscated her passport and visa, forcing the woman to work without pay as a nanny. “Lydia Mugambe used her position to exploit a vulnerable young woman, controlling her freedom and making her work without payment,” said Specialist Prosecutor Eran Cutliffe.
"A @UN tribunal head and Uganda High Court judge, Lydia Mugambe is accused of modern slavery with Ugandan deputy high commissioner, John
Leonard Mugerwa to facilitate the commission of a breach of the UK immigration law". – @MailOnline @JudiciaryUG https://t.co/5aTOGFL1ka— UK Official People Power – NUP (@uk_nup) March 7, 2025
Deception and Exploitation
Witnesses revealed that Mugambe constructed a visa under false pretenses with the assistance of a contact at the Ugandan High Commission in London. Key evidence presented in court showed Mugambe’s malicious intent to control and exploit the young woman’s vulnerability.
During trial proceedings at Oxford Crown Court, Mugambe was charged with multiple offenses, including immigration fraud, forced labor, and conspiracy to intimidate a witness. Mugambe has denied all accusations, stating that she treated the woman with “love, care, and patience.” Despite her denials, the jury returned a verdict of guilty on all counts.
Justice Served
Critical to achieving this conviction was the courage demonstrated by the victim. Her bravery in coming forward enabled authorities to pursue the truth and secure justice. The Crown Prosecution Service highlighted the importance of her role in exposing Mugambe’s offenses.
Beyond this case, the broader implications for the United Nations and international human rights laws are significant. It highlights the necessity for stringent oversight and the enforcement of accountability, particularly among those entrusted to uphold human rights standards. Sentencing for Mugambe is scheduled for May 2, with the world watching closely.
Sources
1. UN Judge, Onetime Columbia University Human Rights Fellow, Found Guilty of Slavery
2. UN judge from Uganda is convicted in the UK of forcing a woman into slavery
