This gay asylum seeker is facing deportation back to Uganda – where homosexuality is illegal – because apparently he ‘failed to prove’ his sexuality.
According to The Independent Robert Kityo was transported to a deportation centre, after the Home Office refused his claim for asylum, with a letter sent on behalf of Theresa May telling him: “It is not accepted that you are a homosexual and an openly gay man.”
Kityo, who’s currently living in Manchester, has the support of over 30 high-profile people, including the Bishop of Manchester, Dr David Walker, as well as the leaders of local LGBT groups.
Mr Kityo told The Independent:
I’m very scared. I’m a gay man and in Manchester I am able to be who I am. I have made many friends here who accept me and love me. But I’m frightened that I will be killed if I am sent back to Uganda. It isn’t safe to be a gay man in Uganda.
A petition calling for him to be allowed to stay in the UK has gathered over 2,100 signatures so far – homosexuality is illegal in Uganda, and Mr Kityo is scared he’ll be killed if he’s sent back.
The Home Office says it can’t comment on an individual case, but gave this vague statement:
The Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration last year praised our guidance and training on handling sexual orientation claims, stating that it was clear and concise.
We worked closely with organisations such as Stonewall, the UK Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to develop this training, which is now mandatory for our caseworkers.
