A UN judge, who is also a 49-year-old judge of the Ugandan Supreme Court, Lidiya Mugambe, lured her compatriot to the United Kingdom under false pretenses, confiscated her documents, and forced her to do housework and care for children.
Lidiya Mugambe
Photo: Uganda Court Authorities
The British court found her guilty of violating immigration laws, exploiting human labor, and intimidating a witness. Mugambe carried out these actions while studying for a doctoral degree in law at the University of Oxford.
At the time of her arrest, she resisted the Thames police, claiming she had diplomatic immunity. These statements were captured on body camera.
“I am a judge in my country, I have immunity. I am not a criminal. I have a diplomatic passport,” she said.
Details from the trial
In this case, prosecutor Karolin Haughey KC stated in court that “Lidiya Mugambe exploited the labor of the victim and took advantage of her ignorance of her rights.” The court supported the prosecutor's claims.
According to court documents, Mugambe brought the victim to Britain “to make her life easier and to find a servant in the cheapest way.”
“Mugambe brought the young woman solely for her personal convenience and treated her poorly. Knowing the laws well, she did not hesitate to deceive not only the victim but also the police who were trying to ensure her safety,” prosecutor Haughey added.
According to official UN information, Mugambe was added to the organization's list of judges in May 2023. However, by that time, an investigation against her had already begun.
The fact is that the police had visited her home three months prior to this incident. This indicates that Mugambe's appointment may not have been considered or investigated during this criminal case.
The court will issue a verdict against her on May 2.
