Judge Mugambe Jailed for UK Modern Slavery Offences

However, the court confirmed that any diplomatic immunity she may have held was explicitly waived by the office of the United Nations Secretary-General, allowing UK authorities to proceed with a full investigation and prosecution. The judge remarked during sentencing that, as a senior jurist with international experience, she would have been fully aware that her immunity was not absolute, and her conduct in attempting to rely on it “lacked credibility.”

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The court was told that Mugambe had conspired with Uganda’s then-Deputy High Commissioner to the UK, John Leonard Mugerwa, in a calculated effort to obtain a UK visa for the victim. Mugerwa, who was at the time involved in ongoing legal proceedings in Uganda, is said to have facilitated the woman’s sponsorship via the Ugandan High Commission, while Mugambe offered to approach the judge presiding over Mugerwa’s case — a favour trade described by the prosecution as “highly dishonest.”

Once in the UK, the victim was barred from taking paid employment and subjected to a life of enforced domestic servitude. Her movements were monitored, and she was denied independence. When criminal investigations began, Mugambe engaged in a deliberate attempt to interfere with the course of justice by orchestrating contact with the victim through a religious intermediary and family members in Uganda. The aim, the court found, was to persuade her to withdraw her support for the prosecution and for the charges to be dropped.

The offences for which Mugambe was convicted are as follows:

The court heard that the victim, now granted asylum in the UK, has a “well-founded fear of persecution” if she were to return to Uganda. Her statement, read in court, described living under “almost constant fear” due to the defendant’s standing and influence in their home country.

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In mitigation, Paul Raudnitz KC, appearing for the defence, pointed to Mugambe’s previously “glittering legal career,” citing her role as a respected judge in Uganda and an international jurist. He said she had now resigned from her position with the United Nations and had received support from legal colleagues and members of her community. A small number of supporters were seen outside the court holding placards and chanting slogans in her favour prior to the sentencing hearing.

Nonetheless, the judge found that Mugambe’s conduct warranted a significant custodial sentence. He imposed a six-year and four-month term of imprisonment and also issued a restraining order, prohibiting any direct or indirect contact with the victim indefinitely.

Lynette Woodrow, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor and national lead for modern slavery at the CPS, said:

Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all stay safe, and I’ll see you then.