By Aggrey Baba
A section of Ugandans living and working in the United Kingdom has expressed deep disappointment and frustration over the conviction of High Court Judge Esther Mugambe by the Oxford Crown Court, calling the trial biased and demanding immediate intervention from the Ugandan Government.
They argue that the whole process was flawed from the beginning, claiming that the judge faced an all-white jury and legal team, with no cultural representation or understanding of the African household setup.
Magembe, who had travelled to the UK to pursue a PhD in Law at Oxford University, was convicted on four counts, of trafficking, forced Labour, immigration violations, and conspiracy to intimidate a witness.
The conviction has left many disappointed, especially those who knew her as a respected judicial officer and a serving member of the United Nations tribunal.
Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that it is closely following developments, but will only take action after the UK court delivers its final sentence.
Government sources have also confirmed that Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka has pledged Uganda’s support for Justice Mugambe, stating that assistance is already being extended quietly.
Meanwhile, legal experts in Kampala are also waiting for the sentencing to see if there is room for an appeal or a legal review of the case.
Seen as a timely development, Uganda recently signed a prisoner transfer agreement with the UK, allowing convicted Ugandans to serve their sentences back home, and the deal, signed through Statutory Instrument No. 37 of 2025 by Justice Minister and DP president, Norbert Mao, is expected to open the door for diplomatic negotiations in such cases.
“When the dancing ground is slippery, even the best dancer can fall,” but if there’s a chance for fairness, then Justice Mugambe deserves it. The sentencing is expected tomorrow, and both the Government and the Ugandan community abroad are bracing for the outcome. For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
