Home Office prepares to deport Ugandan lesbian asylum seeker

An asylum seeker who claims she is at risk of homophobic persecution is due to be deported to Uganda next week.

Harriet Nakigudde, 30, says she fled the country after experiencing harassment and persecution from her family and the general public including the government.

The 30-year-old is due to be deported from the UK on Tuesday 10 June – despite a pending judicial review application at the High Court.

The African LGBTI Out and Proud Diamond Group (OPDG) believes her treatment amounts to a “miscarriage of justice” by the Home Office.

It’s feared she could be detained, tortured and attacked if returned to Uganda.

A previous failed attempt to deport Ms Nakigudde on 17 May resulted in her collapsing whilst boarding a plane, OPDG said.

Human rights groups, MPs and lawyers have frequently documented alleged cases of the Home Office deporting LGBT asylum seekers back to countries such as Uganda where they face violence.

The claims have always been denied by the Home Office.

Uganda is notorious for its widespread homophobic persecution.

A Ugandan law further criminalising same-sex sexual activity, allowing repeat offenders to be sentenced to 14 years in prison, was given presidential approval in February.

For the first time lesbians in Uganda are now subject to the law as well.

• Dec 01 2023

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