OXFORD, UNITED KINGDOM. The Ugandan community in Oxford has expressed deep dismay over the recent verdict involving Justice Lydia Mugambe, a respected Ugandan judge who has been accused of domestic slavery by a young Ugandan woman she had supported for years.

The community, many of whom knew Mugambe personally, voiced their concern that the ruling did not fully consider the cultural context and the judge’s long-standing record of compassion and mentorship.

Justice Mugambe, a doctoral student in Oxford during the time in question, was not only recognized for her integrity in the Ugandan judiciary but also embraced as a cherished member of the Oxford-based Ugandan diaspora. “Lydia is a warm, hospitable, and deeply family-oriented individual,” the community stated, adding that she had opened her home and heart to many, especially during her time of grief after losing both parents in quick succession.

Central to the controversy is a young woman whom Mugambe had supported educationally and financially, introducing her to the Oxford Ugandan community as a relative. Community members affirm that the young woman lived freely in Mugambe’s home, participated in family life, and enjoyed full privileges. “She lived freely in Justice Mugambe’s home, enjoying the same privileges as any family member would,” read part of the community’s statement. The community now questions the motives behind the serious allegations, suggesting the complainant may have manipulated Lydia’s professional stature to gain asylum and legal leverage.

The group also highlighted what they see as a fundamental misreading of cultural and familial dynamics, arguing that the relationship was one of mentorship and mutual respect—not coercion or exploitation.

“The relationship between these two individuals was deeply rooted in cultural norms of extended family and mutual support, not exploitation,” the statement emphasized.

Community members described how Mugambe had helped the young woman secure employment and integrate into British life, efforts they argue were later weaponized against her.

Another major concern raised was the perceived imbalance in the legal proceedings. The community lamented the reliance on a singular narrative and a lack of critical evidence in the trial. “What is most alarming is the apparent lack of critical evidence considered during proceedings,” the community expressed, calling for a fairer and more contextual review of the facts.

While reaffirming their commitment to justice and the protection of all from exploitation, the Ugandan community in Oxford insisted that this case reflected “a troubling miscarriage of justice,” in which an individual renowned for compassion and public service was unjustly portrayed as an oppressor. They argue that the UK judicial system, in this instance, may have failed to grasp the cultural nuances and complexity of familial ties within African communities.

“We stand by the values of compassion, truth, and justice that define both Lydia and our wider community,” the statement concluded, urging for a holistic and impartial reassessment of the case—one that considers not just the law but the full human and cultural story behind it.

PROTEST AT COURT

The post Ugandan Community in Oxford Decries Verdict Against Justice Lydia Mugambe appeared first on Daily Secrets.

KAMPALA. Uganda Law Society (ULS) Extra Ordinary Meeting due this afternoon has been stopped by The High Court in Kampala.

The order issued by Civil Division’s Justice Musa Ssekaana follows a successful application by one of the members of Uganda Law Society Brian Kirima against his professional body where he said he was going to suffer irreparable damages if the meeting goes on.

This the second time the High Court is blocking an extraordinary general meeting called by Uganda Law Society in this year 2024. Last month, the same Court issued an order blocking them from convening to sit and discuss issues related to the management and conduct of Hoima High Court Judge Jesse Byaruhanga Rugyema in the Tilenga Oil Case.

Further, this is the third order being issued against Uganda Law Society by the same Court in this year.

On February 2nd 2024, the Civil Division Judge Boniface Wamala issued an order directing Uganda Law Society to stop sending representatives to statutory bodies without being voted for by all the members . This followed lawyer Steven Kalali ‘s successful petition.

Tuesday’s ruling

The issues that were scheduled by ULS for discussion this afternoon were related to the independence of the judiciary.

This follows a President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni ‘s letter  dated December 7th 2023 to the Chief Justice Alfonse regarding management and handling of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council property case with businessman Justus Kyabahwa.

Kirima petitioned court adding such meeting could lead to passing of the  resolution that are not only illegal and outrageous but absurd bringing disrepute and embarrassment to the society of which he will suffer as a member.

As such, Kirima noted that Court should grant him a temporary injunction pending determination of his application for judicial review in which he is challenging the legality of such extraordinary meetings of discussing issues he said we’re outside their mandate as lawyers.

In response, ULS through the affidavit of their Secretary Isaac Atukunda, opposed the application saying that section 3(c) of the Uganda Law Society Act mandates the Society to represent, protect and assist members of the legal profession in Uganda as regards conditions of practice and otherwise.

Based on that, Atukunda said the Society  received a petition signed by 17 people and they were satisfied that the petitioners had met the requirements under the ULS Act that warrant convening of an Extraordinary General Meeting.

He said the intended extraordinary general meeting would only discuss and pass resolutions which are within their mandate as provided under the ULS Act.

According to ULS, that the matter raised in the petition for the EGM are matters concerning Rule of Law which they have a mandate to discuss and make resolutions on.

In his ruling  Justice Ssekaana has allowed the application and ordered ULS from going ahead with the decision.

“It has also been shown by the applicant that the balance of convenience of convenience lies in maintaining the status quo and the balance of convenience cannot be ignored in such an application which alludes to breach of law or passing of illegal resolutions which will occasion an irreparable damage or injury, such damage or injury cannot be atoned for or compensated in damages,” said Ssekaana.

He added: “A temporary injunction issues against the respondent, restraining it from calling, convening and arranging an extra ordinary general meeting on requisition of member’s petition until the final determination of the main application (cause).”

Uganda Radio Network has since learnt that the lawyers are planning to hold a protest in form of a boycott of the Judiciary’s upcoming event of New Law Year on Friday.

The post Court stops Lawyers’ meeting to discuss Museveni letter to Chief Justice appeared first on Daily Secrets.