Mugambe, 49, of Lyne Road, Kidlington, was found guilty of facilitating a breach of UK immigration law, forcing a person to perform compulsory labor, and conspiracy to intimidate a witness. She was also convicted by a majority verdict of arranging or facilitating travel with a view to exploitation.
The verdict follows an extensive investigation by Thames Valley Police, which began after a report on February 10, 2023, that a woman was being held in domestic servitude at Mugambe's former residence in Brasenose Drive, Kidlington.
Prosecutors revealed that Mugambe exploited her position to bring the victim to the UK under false pretenses.
The victim was promised paid employment working for the then Deputy High Commissioner at the Ugandan Embassy in London, John Leonard Mugerwa. Instead, she was forced to work unpaid as a domestic maid and nanny for Mugambe.
Chief Superintendent Ben Clark, Commander for Oxfordshire, condemned Mugambe's actions, stating.
'Mugambe is an extremely qualified lawyer, a Ugandan High Court Judge, and a UN Criminal Tribunal Judge. She used her position of power and legal knowledge to exploit the victim, ensuring she became her unpaid domestic servant.'
The prosecution detailed a "dishonest trade-off" between Mugambe and Mugerwa. Mugerwa facilitated the victim's visa under his diplomatic privileges, while Mugambe allegedly agreed to assist him in a separate legal case in Uganda.
Despite police investigations, Mugerwa could not be charged due to his diplomatic immunity, which the Ugandan Government did not waive.
During her arrest, captured on bodycam footage, Mugambe protested her innocence, insisting she had "immunity" and was "not a criminal." She claimed the victim had voluntarily requested to accompany her to the UK.
Caroline Haughey KC, for the prosecution, argued that Mugambe took advantage of the victim's lack of understanding of her legal rights.
'Lydia Mugambe has exploited and abused the victim, deceiving her about the purpose of her travel to the UK,' she told the court.
The victim, whose identity is protected for legal reasons, described feeling "lonely" and "stuck" due to the conditions she endured.
Following her conviction, Chief Superintendent Clark commended the victim's bravery and praised the collaborative efforts of Justice and Care and the National Crime Agency's Specialist Witness Team, which supported the victim throughout the legal process.
'I want to appeal to anyone who is a victim of modern slavery or suspects that modern slavery is being committed to contact Thames Valley Police. We will listen and we will help you,' Clark urged.
Any immunity Mugambe may have held as a UN Judge was waived by the Office of the United Nations Secretary General. She is set to be sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on May 2, 2025.
IGIHE
