UN Human Rights Judge Jailed for Keeping a Black Slave

A United Nations human rights judge, Lydia Mugambe, has been sentenced to six years and four months in prison in the UK for keeping a housekeeper as a slave.

Mugambe, who is also a High Court judge in Uganda, was studying for a PhD in law at the University of Oxford when police discovered a young Ugandan woman working unpaid as a maid and nanny in her home in Kidlington, Oxfordshire.

The court found that Mugambe had fraudulently arranged a visa for the woman, who was supposed to work as a private servant at the diplomatic residence of John Mugerwa, Uganda’s former deputy high commissioner in London. Instead, the woman was forced to work in Mugambe’s home without pay.

Prosecutors said Mugerwa sponsored the victim’s visa knowing she would actually be working for Mugambe, in exchange for legal assistance in a separate court case in Uganda. The victim, who remains anonymous, described feeling fearful and worthless during her time in the household.

Judge David Foxton, who sentenced Mugambe, noted that she showed no remorse for her actions. The University of Oxford has stated it is appalled by the crimes and has begun disciplinary proceedings that could result in Mugambe’s removal from the university. Police hope the victim’s bravery in coming forward will encourage others affected by modern slavery to seek help.