Celebrations as Prossy told she can stay!

Prossy Kakooza fled Uganda in July 2007 after her family discovered she was a lesbian. She was arrested, ill-treated in custody, and then her family tried to kill her before she managed to escape. Prossy was finally granted asylum in the UK on Friday 17th October, 15 long months and 3 court cases after first applying.

The judge was heavily influenced by three factors: the Country Expert Report, the medical evidence, and Prossy's campaign. The Country Expert Report highlighted the terrible plight that lesbian and gay people endure in Uganda, as well as the "extra-judicial" activities of the police.

The report showed it would be impossible for Prossy to internally relocate to another part of the country. The medical evidence overwhelmingly supported Prossy's claim of dreadful ill treatment. The judge noted the international campaign for Prossy; saw that she is an out and proud lesbian, and took note of the sheer number of people who had helped her in her campaign as well as those people who gave evidence for her in court.

Prossy has been amazed by the amount of people who have supported her including:

* 5200 people from countries, and church congregations, from all over the world who have signed her petition to the Home Office.
* The 100s of people who have written or emailed the Immigration Minister.
* The 80 members and friends of MCC Manchester who have supported her.
* The 19 friends who went to court with her and helped her collect signatures on her petition at Pride festivals all over the country.
* The 10 friends who gave evidence in court on her behalf.
* The 3 lawyers who drafted and prepared her cases (Ruth Heatley from the Immigration Aid Unit and barristers Mark Schwenk & Mel Plimmer).

Now Prossy has been given leave to remain in the UK as a refugee for the next 5 years. During this time she can live and work and study with the same rights as any other UK citizen. At the end of this time she can apply for indefinite leave to remain and, if she wishes, apply for UK citizenship.

Prossy will now turn her attention to finding her own place to live, a job, and reflect on how best to help Leah - her partner still in Uganda.

All at the Lesbian and Gay Foundation, would like to send their congratulations to Prossy, and wish her all the best for her future in the UK.

For more information on Prossy and her case click here.