Ugandan Judge Lydia Mugambe Sentenced to Over Six Years in UK for Modern Slavery and Immigration Offences
Mugambe, 50, who had been residing in Kidlington, Oxfordshire while pursuing studies at the prestigious University of Oxford, was convicted on four serious offences: conspiring to breach UK immigration law, arranging the travel of a person with intent to exploit, requiring forced or compulsory labour, and conspiracy to intimidate a witness.
London, UK – May 2, 2025
Lydia Mugambe, a Ugandan national and former judge with affiliations to both the Ugandan judiciary and the United Nations, has been sentenced to six years and four months in prison by Oxford Crown Court in the United Kingdom for her role in a disturbing case of modern slavery and immigration crime.
Mugambe, 50, who had been residing in Kidlington, Oxfordshire while pursuing studies at the prestigious University of Oxford, was convicted on four serious offences: conspiring to breach UK immigration law, arranging the travel of a person with intent to exploit, requiring forced or compulsory labour, and conspiracy to intimidate a witness.
The three-week trial from February to March 2025 uncovered a calculated scheme in which Mugambe collaborated with a contact within the Ugandan High Commission in London to bring a young woman to the UK. The victim’s visa was obtained under false pretenses, suggesting she would be employed within the High Commission household or office. However, upon her arrival, the woman was transported directly to Mugambe’s residence, where she was coerced into working without pay as a nanny.
During her time under Mugambe’s control, the victim’s essential personal documents — including her passport, biometric visa card, and phone — were confiscated. Isolated and unpaid, the victim endured forced labour until she managed to reach out to a friend, who aided her in recovering her documents and reporting the matter to the authorities.
The intervention led to Mugambe’s arrest and prosecution. Eran Cutliffe, Specialist Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service’s Special Crime Division, commended the bravery of the victim and emphasized the broader implications of the case.
“Lydia Mugambe used her position to exploit a vulnerable young woman, controlling her freedom and making her work without payment,” said Cutliffe. “Thanks to the victim’s courage in coming forward, it has been possible to bring Ms Mugambe to justice and hold her accountable for her actions.
“Modern slavery and the exploitation of people by others for their own purposes has no place in modern society. Where there is evidence to support a prosecution, the CPS will not hesitate to seek justice for the victims of this unacceptable practice.”
The judge, once a respected figure known for advocating judicial independence and women's rights in Uganda, has now faced a stunning fall from grace. Her actions have drawn international attention, given her previous role as a high-profile judicial officer and her affiliations with human rights bodies.
The sentencing on May 2, 2025, brings a close to a disturbing case of abuse of authority and human exploitation under the guise of diplomatic and academic privilege. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on modern slavery and holding perpetrators accountable — regardless of their status or background.
Awards and Recognition
Mugambe won the Vera Chirwa human rights award in 2019.
