Beaten and tortured lesbian Ugandan woman seeks asylum in UK

Prossy Kakooza, 26, who lives in Bolton, Lancashire, is due to have her appeal heard in May.

Uganda in line with many other African countries has outlawed homosexuality. Ms Kakooza was handed over to Ugandan police by her brother when he found her with her girlfriend of five years.

She was then subjected to multiple rapes and branded with red hot meat skewers on her thighs by drunken police officers.

She said: 'I'm still receiving counselling at a rape crisis centre. 'I have nightmares every night and I don't think I will ever get over what happened to me.'

Ms Kakooza, who is a University graduate, was eventually rescued and smuggled from the country by a friend who bribed guards to release her.

On arriving in the UK she was seen at a medical centre where doctors were shocked by her horrific injuries and called the police.

She said: 'I was taken to hospital and tested for Hepatitis B and Aids. 'Thankfully, I'm in the clear but it was a worrying time.'

She added: 'I really want stay in this country and work. 'I have a degree in English Literature and I would love to be able to teach.'

Ms Kakooza said that she often thinks of her girlfriend who was also jailed.

She said: 'I was lucky I got out. 'I can't bear to think of what is happening to her there.'

Ms Kakooza's application was turned down on the grounds that she could relocate safely to another area of her country.

She said: 'In Uganda they speak 10 different languages. I can only speak my own local language and English.

'If I moved to another area locals would immediately be suspicious of me. 'I don't want to have to pretend not to be gay. 'I don't want to live a lie.'

Ms Kakooza is hoping to gain support form her local MP, Dr Brian Iddon. She has written to his office and is currently awaiting his response. A Home Office official said that they were unable to comment on individual cases.

WORDS BY LINDA PRESTON.