What seemed like an opportunity for a better life turned into a nightmare for a Ugandan woman, who prosecutors say was tricked into working as an unpaid servant by a United Nations judge.
The case, which has captured widespread attention, is now being heard at Oxford Crown Court, revealing disturbing allegations of manipulation, coercion, and abuse of power.
The Alleged Scheme Behind the Visa Sponsorship
According to prosecutors, Ugandan High Court judge Lydia Mugambe, in collaboration with deputy High Commissioner John Leonard Mugerwa, orchestrated a fraudulent plan to bring the woman to the UK under false pretenses.
The woman arrived on July 9, 2022, expecting legitimate employment, only to find herself working for free as a domestic worker in Mugambe’s home in Kidlington, Oxfordshire.
It is alleged that Mugambe promised to intervene in a legal case involving Mugerwa in exchange for his assistance in securing a visa for the woman.
However, rather than working at the High Commission as stated in the visa application, she was instead placed in Mugambe’s household, forced to sleep in a bunk bed in the judge’s daughter’s room.
Control, Intimidation, and Denial of Freedom
Once in the UK, the woman reportedly found herself trapped in a situation where she had no independence or means to support herself.
Prosecutors argue that Mugambe withheld her passport, forcing her to “beg” for access to her own identity documents.
This level of control, they say, was part of a calculated effort to ensure the woman remained entirely dependent.
When police arrested Mugambe, she allegedly attempted to use her diplomatic status as a defense, falsely claiming immunity.
Further accusations state that she tried to pressure the victim into dropping the case by enlisting the woman’s pastor to intervene on her behalf—a move the prosecution described as an abuse of her influence and power.
Discovery and Police Intervention
Concerns about the woman’s welfare came to light on February 10, 2023, when Thames Valley Police received a report about a potential case of modern slavery.
Later that same day, a member of the public reported seeing the woman looking distressed in a TK Maxx store in Oxford.
When officers searched Mugambe’s home, they uncovered the woman’s identification documents hidden inside a book titled Constitution of the Republic of Uganda 1995, which was found in the judge’s bedroom.
Prosecutors argue this was clear evidence of an intent to exploit and control the victim.
The Trial and Mugambe’s Defense
Mugambe stands accused of multiple serious charges, including breaching UK immigration laws, facilitating travel for exploitation, forced labor, and conspiracy to intimidate a witness.
She has denied all allegations, and the trial continues as the court hears more evidence.
With the proceedings ongoing, the case raises critical questions about human trafficking, abuse of power, and the responsibilities of those in high-ranking positions.
As more details emerge, the legal battle ahead will determine whether justice is served for the woman at the heart of this troubling ordeal.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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