A lesbian who faces deportation has been told she must “unlearn” her homosexuality on returning to her native Uganda.
The Guardian report that Brenda Namigadde – who was originally set to return to her homeland tomorrow – could face life imprisonment if sent back, her lawyer argues.
Currently, Uganda is one of the few countries where homosexuality is illegal and punishable by a custodial sentence, but her first application for asylum was rejected by the UK Border Agency on the grounds of insufficient evidence.
Adding fuel to the fire, Ugandan MP David Bahati has now said that she must “repent or reform”.
The MP, who is currently pushing a bill that will impose lifetime imprisonment and even the death penalty for homosexuality, told The Guardian: “Here in Uganda, homosexuality is not a human right. It is a behaviour that is learned and it can be unlearned.
“Brenda is welcome in Uganda if she will abandon or repent her behaviour. If she is caught in illegal practices she will be punished.”
Namigadde, 29, first fled Uganda in 2003. Her lawyer has submitted a fresh asylum claim and gay rights groups have been appealing to the Home Secretary to grant residency.
The UK Border Agency have said: “Ms Namigadde’s case has been carefully considered by both the UK Border Agency and the courts and she been found not to have a right to remain here. She has submitted further representations and these will be reviewed by the UK Border Agency prior to any removal.”
