Lydia Mugambe, a former Columbia University fellow and United Nations judge, was recently found guilty of human trafficking a young woman. The incident, reported by Thames Valley Police, involved Mugambe engaging in immigration and modern slavery offences, specifically forcing the victim into unpaid labour as a domestic worker in Oxfordshire. Police received allegations that Mugambe had held the woman as a slave since her arrival in the UK on February 10, 2023.
Mugambe facilitated the woman’s illegal entry by purchasing her flight and later confined her to performing unpaid duties, denying her the freedom to seek other employment. The prosecution accused Mugambe of exploiting her victim by manipulating her vulnerability, leveraging her legal expertise to maintain control.
Previously, Mugambe was involved in a project at Columbia focusing on healing historical trauma in Northern Uganda, particularly highlighting the plight of women affected by civil war atrocities. Now, she faces sentencing in May for her heinous crimes.
Despite her esteemed legal background, with roles as a Ugandan High Court Judge and a UN Criminal Tribunal Judge, Mugambe attempted to evade prosecution by claiming diplomatic immunity. This defence crumbled as authorities clarified that her immunity was waived by the UN. Local officials noted her use of power to oppress the victim, leaving them appalled by her actions.
Lydia Mugambe, ex-Columbia fellow and UN judge, was convicted of human trafficking and modern slavery in the UK. She forced a young woman into unpaid domestic labour after illegally facilitating her entry into the country. Despite her legal authority, Mugambe tried to claim diplomatic immunity, which was waived, and she awaits sentencing in May.
Lydia Mugambe, a former UN judge and rights advocate, faces severe consequences for her conviction in human trafficking. Her actions, which starkly contrasted her professional commitment to human rights, raised ethical questions about the misuse of power. As she awaits her sentencing, her case serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing struggle against modern slavery and the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
Original Source: www.campusreform.org
