Survivor speaks out as UN judge is jailed for modern slavery offences

A woman who was forced into domestic servitude by a United Nations judge has described living ‘in almost constant fear’ – as her trafficker is jailed for more than six years. 

Justice & Care has been supporting Rona* after she was exploited by Lydia Mugambe, who kept her in her home in Oxfordshire, UK to carry out unpaid work as a maid and nanny. 

The Ugandan survivor says she feels unable to ever return safely to Uganda to see her family due to the powerful connections her trafficker has. 

She spoken out about her experiences with media outlets, including ITV and The Times, in the hope that it will help encourage others trapped in modern slavery to seek help from police. 

Describing the impact of the exploitation she faced, Rona said:  ‘I was fearful and worried. I was asking for God to help me. I should have been treated humanely, not treated as useless or worthless. 

‘I now find it extremely difficult to introduce myself to people. If anyone asks me questions, I feel very weary.’ 

Mugambe, who is also a high court judge in Uganda, was studying at Oxford University when she arranged a UK visa for Rona and promised that she would help her find a job. 

Taking advantage of the woman’s lack of knowledge about employment rights, she then forced her to work and prevented her from securing other employment. 

Deputy High Commissioner at the Ugandan Embassy in London, John Mugerwa sponsored the victim’s visa, in exchange for Mugambe providing him with assistance with a separate court case in which he was a defendant, the prosecution said. 

In her interviews, Rona detailed the callous treatment she faced, saying her ‘existence to Lydia was not important’. 

She said: ‘At first, life was not bad. Lydia promised me things, and I believed her. But in a short time, things changed and she did not do as she had promised. 

‘It made me feel unhappy, as I couldn’t speak to her as I feared her. Even after the police had visited her house on first occasion, Lydia told me she had the authority and that she would burn my passport and bank card. She also said she would call the police because I was in the UK illegally.’ 

The case came to light in February 2023 when Thames Valley Police received a report that a woman was being held as a slave and launched an investigation. 

One of Justice & Care’s Victim Navigators was brought in to support Rona through the trial and we continue to support her as she begins to move forward with her life. 

Mugambe was found guilty in March of facilitating travel with a view to exploitation and forcing someone to work. She was also convicted of conspiracy to intimidate a witness and conspiring to facilitate the commission of a breach of UK immigration law.  

She has been sentenced to six years and four months and ordered to pay Rona compensation totalling £12,160. 

The Crown Prosecution Service authorised a charge in respect of conspiracy for Mugerwa, but he had diplomatic immunity, which the Ugandan Government did not waive, meaning he could not be charged with any offences. 

You can read more on the Thames Valley Police website. 

*name changed to protect identity and stock image used

To report suspected modern slavery, contact the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700 or by submit a report online. If you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 999 straight away.