The trial of Ugandan High Court Judge Lydia Mugambe on modern slavery charges has begun in the UK. Prosecutors accuse her of luring a young Ugandan woman to the UK under false promises of work but subjecting her to forced labour. While pursuing her PhD at Oxford University, Justice Mugambe allegedly exploited the woman, restricting her movement until she repaid travel expenses.
In February 2023, police visited Mugambe’s Oxfordshire home after reports of a woman being held against her will. Bodycam footage reportedly shows the woman packing and stating she was not allowed to leave, while Mugambe allegedly told officers the woman was prioritizing work over childcare. Prosecutors claim she sought to intimidate the woman into dropping the case and conspired with a senior Ugandan official to facilitate her travel.
Mugambe denies all charges, including immigration violations, forced labour, and witness intimidation. Her family insists she is innocent, alleging the woman was influenced to falsely accuse her for asylum purposes. The UK’s Crown Prosecution Service authorized the charges in August 2024, and a conviction could result in life imprisonment. The trial is expected to last three weeks. The Ugandan government previously indicated plans to assist Mugambe through legal means.