UN Judge Lydia Mugambe Invokes ‘Immunity’ Before Conviction for Enslaving Woman
A United Nations judge, Lydia Mugambe, has been convicted of forcing a young Ugandan woman into slavery in the United Kingdom, with bodycam footage revealing her attempt to claim diplomatic immunity during her arrest. Mugambe, who also serves as a High Court judge in Uganda, was found guilty of multiple offenses, including forced labor and conspiring to facilitate a breach of UK immigration law.
Details of the Case
Mugambe, 49, was filmed by Thames Valley Police citing her diplomatic status when officers arrested her under the Modern Slavery Act. In the footage, she stated, “I am a judge in my country, I even have immunity. I am not a criminal.” When questioned further, she confirmed her diplomatic passport but was unable to avoid prosecution.
The court heard that Mugambe deceived the victim into traveling to the UK, where she was forced to work as a maid and provide childcare without pay. Prosecutors argued that Mugambe “took advantage of her status” in the “most egregious way,” exploiting the victim’s lack of understanding of her rights to properly paid employment.
Victim’s Testimony
The victim, whose identity is protected, testified that she felt “lonely” and “stuck” after her working hours were restricted. She described being misled about the purpose of her travel to the UK and being deprived of stable employment opportunities.
Mugambe’s Defense
Mugambe denied the allegations, claiming she had “always” treated the woman with love, care, and patience. During the trial, her defense lawyer, Paul Raudnitz KC, asked whether she had arranged the woman’s travel with the intent to exploit her. Mugambe responded, “I never exploited [the woman] in Uganda, why would I exploit her in the UK?” She also denied that the woman had “worked under a threat of penalty or consequence.”
Conspiracy Allegations
Prosecutors revealed that Mugambe conspired with Uganda’s deputy high commissioner, John Leonard Mugerwa, to bring the woman to Britain. The pair allegedly engaged in a “very dishonest” arrangement, with Mugerwa securing a visa for the victim through the Ugandan High Commission in exchange for Mugambe’s intervention in a legal case involving Mugerwa.
Conviction and Sentencing
Jurors found Mugambe guilty of multiple offenses, including conspiring to facilitate a breach of UK immigration law, facilitating travel for exploitation, forced labor, and conspiracy to intimidate a witness. She is scheduled to be sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on May 2.
Implications for Diplomatic Immunity
The case has raised questions about the abuse of diplomatic immunity and the accountability of individuals in positions of power. Mugambe’s attempt to invoke immunity during her arrest highlights the challenges of prosecuting individuals with diplomatic status, even in cases involving serious crimes.
Broader Impact
The conviction underscores the importance of addressing modern slavery and human trafficking, particularly when perpetrators exploit their positions of authority. It also serves as a reminder of the need for robust legal frameworks to hold individuals accountable, regardless of their status or affiliations.
Conclusion
The conviction of Lydia Mugambe marks a significant step in the fight against modern slavery and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. As the case moves to sentencing, it highlights the critical need for transparency, accountability, and justice in addressing such egregious abuses of power.
