Lydia Mugambe, a United Nations judge, was found guilty of modern slavery offenses by a UK jury at Oxford Crown Court on March 13, 2025.

Mugambe took advantage of her victim's lack of understanding regarding employment rights, forcing her to work as a maid and childcare provider without pay.

Gasps were heard in court upon the verdict, which caused proceedings to momentarily halt due to Mugambe appearing unwell.

The trial revealed that Mugambe conspired with Ugandan deputy high commissioner John Leonard Mugerwa to facilitate the victim's entry into the UK in exchange for legal favors.

She was convicted of multiple charges, including conspiring to break UK immigration law, facilitating travel for exploitation, forcing someone to work, and intimidating a witness.

Prosecutors argued that Mugambe exploited a young Ugandan woman by misleading her about the purpose of her travel and subjecting her to unfair working conditions.

Prosecutor Caroline Haughey KC emphasized the betrayal of trust by Mugambe, a woman in power who lied to both the victim and the police.

During the trial, Mugambe's defense claimed her emotional state during police questioning was due to shock, but the prosecution argued she was shielding herself.

Mugambe was arrested under the Modern Slavery Act, where police footage captured her disbelief at the charges and her claims of diplomatic immunity.

Thames Valley Police stated that Mugambe attempted to evade justice by claiming diplomatic immunity, which was later waived by the UN Secretary General.

Police praised the victim for her courage in coming forward, stating that justice had been served now that she is free from servitude.

This case underscores ongoing issues related to labor exploitation and the misuse of diplomatic privileges.