Judge convicted of modern slavery offences

A Ugandan judge was today convicted at Oxford Crown Court of modern slavery offences against an individual who worked as her nanny.

Lydia Mugambe, 49, was convicted of conspiring to breach UK immigration law, arranging travel for exploitation, requiring a person to perform forced labour and witness intimidation following a three-week trial.  

Mugambe worked with a contact in the Ugandan High Commission to arrange a visa for the victim, under the guise that she would be working in the household and office of the High Commission employee.  

However, once she arrived in the UK, the victim was transported to Mugambe’s home where she worked unpaid as a nanny. Her passport, biometric visa card and phone were taken from her.

Eventually, the victim sought help from a friend which resulted in the police involvement and Mugambe’s arrest. The victim asked her friend to hide her documents after she managed to get them from Mugambe.  

Eran Cutliffe, Specialist Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service’s Special Crime Division, said:  "Lydia Mugambe used her position to exploit a vulnerable young woman, controlling her freedom and making her work without payment.  

“Thanks to the victim’s courage in coming forward it has been possible to bring Ms Mugambe to justice and be held accountable for her actions.

“Modern slavery and the exploitation of people by others for their own purposes has no place in modern society. Where there is evidence to support a prosecution, the CPS will not hesitate to seek justice for the victims of this unacceptable practice.”