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In Uganda Felicity's husband managed an election campaign against
President Museveni. Following this her husband travelled to a campaign
meeting, he never returned home and has not been heard of since. Their
family home was attacked, searched and Felicity was assaulted. She
reported her husband's disappearance to the authorities and the attack on
her and their home. No action was taken. She took the decision that is was
unsafe for her and her children to remain in Uganda, and fled to the UK in
2001.
Their asylum application was turned down because it was believed she
would not be at risk if returned to Uganda. She appealed and the judge
accepted her account of events, but found that because their problems were
in their local area they could be safely re-located to a different part of
Uganda. Felicity was unable to challenge it successfully through her limited
appeal rights. In 2002 she was detained and issued with removal
directions back to Uganda. This action terrified her. She collapsed and an
ambulance had to be called. She was admitted to hospital and spent
several months in the mental health unit.
We were instructed whilst she was detained, and immediately made
successful representations to prevent her removal from the UK. Her mental
health never recovered after this incident and her physical health
deteriorated too. She was discharged from hospital, but under a complex
care plan involving many health professionals supporting her and her
children in their home. It was the strength of feeling from these health
professionals and others involved with the family, who literally witnessed
Felicity's 'destruction' at the hands of the immigration authorities, who
together with us made repeat representations to the Home Office Minister
through her MP.
We argued that there was no way Felicity and her children could be expected
to re-locate to another part of Uganda now that her health had deteriorated
and she was effectively housebound and at risk of self-harm/suicide. We
also argued that the children should not be subjected to witnessing their
mother's deterioration to the point where her life was at risk, and that their
establishment and achievements in the UK should be recognised. Finally
we argued that it was not efficient use of health and care services, for so
many resources to be engaged keeping this family 'alive', when if the threat
of their removal to Uganda was taken away, she would have a chance to
improve, relieving dependence on services. At the end of 2006, 5 years after
the battle began, we learnt that the Home Office had agreed to allow the
family leave to remain in the UK. They were ecstatic! The children now
have bright futures.
President Museveni. Following this her husband travelled to a campaign
meeting, he never returned home and has not been heard of since. Their
family home was attacked, searched and Felicity was assaulted. She
reported her husband's disappearance to the authorities and the attack on
her and their home. No action was taken. She took the decision that is was
unsafe for her and her children to remain in Uganda, and fled to the UK in
2001.
Their asylum application was turned down because it was believed she
would not be at risk if returned to Uganda. She appealed and the judge
accepted her account of events, but found that because their problems were
in their local area they could be safely re-located to a different part of
Uganda. Felicity was unable to challenge it successfully through her limited
appeal rights. In 2002 she was detained and issued with removal
directions back to Uganda. This action terrified her. She collapsed and an
ambulance had to be called. She was admitted to hospital and spent
several months in the mental health unit.
We were instructed whilst she was detained, and immediately made
successful representations to prevent her removal from the UK. Her mental
health never recovered after this incident and her physical health
deteriorated too. She was discharged from hospital, but under a complex
care plan involving many health professionals supporting her and her
children in their home. It was the strength of feeling from these health
professionals and others involved with the family, who literally witnessed
Felicity's 'destruction' at the hands of the immigration authorities, who
together with us made repeat representations to the Home Office Minister
through her MP.
We argued that there was no way Felicity and her children could be expected
to re-locate to another part of Uganda now that her health had deteriorated
and she was effectively housebound and at risk of self-harm/suicide. We
also argued that the children should not be subjected to witnessing their
mother's deterioration to the point where her life was at risk, and that their
establishment and achievements in the UK should be recognised. Finally
we argued that it was not efficient use of health and care services, for so
many resources to be engaged keeping this family 'alive', when if the threat
of their removal to Uganda was taken away, she would have a chance to
improve, relieving dependence on services. At the end of 2006, 5 years after
the battle began, we learnt that the Home Office had agreed to allow the
family leave to remain in the UK. They were ecstatic! The children now
have bright futures.
Immigration Aid Manchester
Independent legal advice & representation from the
Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit
Independent legal advice & representation from the
Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit
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