Crime

UK: Lesbian asylum seeker due to be deported to Uganda on Wednesday

Apr 09 2013
Written by Scott Roberts

An asylum seeker who claims she is at risk of homophobic persecution is due to be deported to Uganda on Wednesday evening at 8pm from Heathrow Airport.

Named as “Mary K”, Movement for Justice (MFJ) said: “She came to Britain – a country that has signed numerous international declarations on LGBT rights – in order to escape persecution and be able to live safely without having to hide her sexuality.”

In recent weeks, the UK Border Agency (UKBA) has attempted to deport several asylum seekers to Uganda.

In one case, an asylum seeker named “Christine”, had her flight cancelled, and earlier this week was released from detention.

However, others have not been as lucky.

Jackie Nanyonjo, a lesbian who was deported back to Uganda in January died in March in the African country.

Research published last week from the University of Southampton showed LGBT asylum seekers are regularly being asked “inappropriate and insensitive” questions by immigration judges.

Human rights campaigners say LGBT asylum cases are still being mishandled, regardless of the latest UKBA reforms.

Meanwhile, recent efforts by a US delegation to isolate Uganda’s proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill have not had any noticeable effect.

The bill recommends long jail sentences for those convicted of homosexual acts and in certain cases has suggested the death penalty.