Ugandan lesbian asylum seeker ‘begs UK Government’ not to deport her

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a white background.

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

A protest will take place tomorrow afternoon outside the House of Lords in order to raise awareness of Aidah Asaba’s plight.

She said: “I fear for my life if they will take me back to Uganda, my life has become worthless. I wish I wasn’t born, it is too much for me to bear. I cannot believe I am going to meet my death in Uganda because of my sexuality…

“I am only praying for a miracle to happen such that I can live my life without fear of being persecuted or killed because of my sexuality. Please I beg the UK Government to help me”.

Campaigners say she fled Uganda for Britain in October last year after being abused by her family and community, forced into an arranged marriage.

It’s claimed her sexual orientation was reported to the authorities, who are now actively looking for her, and she received death threats and abuse from neighbours and the local community.

Sexual Minorities Uganda and the UK-based African LGBTI Out & Proud Diamond Group are both supporting her case.

A professional psychological and scarring assessment is being conducted by a respected medical organisation and a fresh asylum claim is being prepared.

However, Ms Asaba has been told to prepare for immediate deportation on Saturday 24 May.

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.

In March, Home Secretary Theresa May announced a review into the handling of LGBT asylum cases.

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.

 

 

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