The Ugandan government is considering an appeal after High Court Judge Lydia Mugambe was convicted in a UK court on charges related to modern slavery and immigration fraud.
The case, which has drawn widespread attention both locally and internationally, has raised serious questions about legal ethics, human rights, and diplomatic intervention.
Justice Mugambe was found guilty of conspiring to facilitate a breach of UK immigration laws, requiring a person to perform forced labor, and attempting to intimidate a witness. She is scheduled for sentencing on May 2, with UK laws prescribing a maximum life sentence for modern slavery offenses.
Uganda’s Response
Vincent Bagiire, Uganda’s Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, confirmed that the government has been closely following the case. “We have been actively involved, providing legal counsel to Justice Mugambe. An appeal is being considered, and discussions are ongoing,” he stated.
Uganda’s decision to intervene could set a precedent for how it handles cases involving its high-ranking officials facing charges abroad. Legal experts argue that an appeal may be a long shot, given the gravity of the charges and the overwhelming evidence presented during the trial.
A Case That Shook Legal Circles
The case began in February 2023 when UK police received a report about a Ugandan woman allegedly being held as a domestic slave at Mugambe’s residence in Kidlington. Investigations revealed that Mugambe had arranged for the victim to enter the UK under false pretenses but instead subjected her to unpaid domestic work and childcare.
Further complicating the case, prosecutors alleged that Mugambe secured assistance from Uganda’s then Deputy High Commissioner to the UK, John Mugerwa, in exchange for favors in a separate Ugandan legal matter. While Mugerwa was investigated, he was not charged due to diplomatic immunity, which the Ugandan government declined to waive.
The Political and Legal Implications
Mugambe’s conviction has sent shockwaves through Uganda’s judiciary, where she was seen as a prominent figure. Some legal experts argue that the case exposes the vulnerabilities of Uganda’s leadership in international law. Others believe it should serve as a wake-up call to curb abuse of power.
The Ugandan government now faces a difficult decision: whether to push forward with an appeal or allow the ruling to stand, potentially damaging its diplomatic reputation.
With sentencing set for May 2, all eyes remain on Uganda’s next move in what is quickly becoming a high-stakes legal and political battle.
