UK: Ugandan lesbian asylum seeker set to be deported tomorrow

A Ugandan asylum seeker who claims she is at risk of imprisonment if she is sent home is scheduled to be deported tomorrow.

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 still due to be deported from the UK tomorrow – despite a pending judicial review application at the High Court.

It is feared she could be attacked, tortured or detained if returned to Uganda.

She said earlier today: “I don’t want to go back. My family has disowned me. My friends know I’m a lesbian. I’m afraid if I go back I’ll be put in prison.

“People will attack me. They’ll stone me. I’m just scared. I can’t sleep at night, I’m so scared I will die.”

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

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.

Earlier today, a lesbian facing deportation to Nigeria said she will submit a video of her having sex to the home office, as no other evidence convinced them.

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• Dec 09 2023

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