Lady Justice Lydia Mugambe, a High Court judge from Kampala, became emotional on Thursday as Oxford Crown Court delved deeper into her slavery-related charges. She was seen tearfully denying accusations that she lured a young woman to the UK under false pretenses to work as her slave.
While giving evidence, Mugambe denied the allegations being presented to her, despite becoming visibly distressed. She paused to wipe her face with tissues, apologizing and stating, “I’m sorry, but it’s too much,” adding that she couldn’t accept the false accusations and that she had worked hard for her career.
Mugambe, who was arrested by Oxford police last August, is accused of preventing a young Ugandan woman from securing stable employment and exploiting her status. The 49-year-old, who was pursuing a PhD in law at Oxford University at the time, denies four charges related to human trafficking and modern slavery.
The charges stem from allegations that Mugambe forced her domestic worker, whose identity remains confidential, to perform household chores and provide childcare. Sources close to the case have suggested that the maid’s desire to seek permanent residency in the UK may have been a factor, though these claims remain unverified.
During the trial, Mugambe’s defense lawyer, Paul Raudnitz KC, questioned her about whether she had arranged the woman’s travel with the intention of exploiting her. Mugambe tearfully responded, “I never exploited [the woman] in Uganda, why would I exploit her in the UK?” She also denied ever threatening the woman or conspiring to intimidate her into not providing evidence.
Earlier in the proceedings, Mugambe explained that she was “in shock” after being arrested for suspected human trafficking, adding that she had made “misrepresentations” to the police, which the prosecution described as deliberate lies. The prosecution also accused her of shielding herself rather than others, a claim Mugambe vehemently denied.
Mugambe is facing charges including conspiracy to breach UK immigration law, facilitating exploitation, forcing labor, and witness intimidation. The trial is ongoing.
