On 17 June, Hussein Kasujja was finally released on bail from Tinsley House where he was detained for almost 15 months. Acknowledging that Mr Kasujja had a case, High Court Judge Collins granted him the right to judicially review the Home Office decision rejecting his asylum claim. However, his situation is still not settled and Mr Kasujja lives in the daily fear of being deported and of not knowing what his future holds. He has no access to benefits or other resources although he has lived in the UK nearly 10 years.

Mr Kasujja with supporters at the Crossroads Women's Centre, after his release.	Mr Kasujja fled Uganda in 1990 when his political opposition to the military dictatorship was discovered, putting his life at risk. His father was arrested and killed because of his son’s involvement. Instead of welcoming Mr Kasujja’s attempts to restore democracy in Uganda, the Home Office rejected his asylum claim. Bad legal representation omitted crucial evidence of the persecution Mr Kasujja would face as a political opponent of the regime and as a Muslim if he returned to Uganda.
click here for the big picture

Mr Kasujja contacted Payday men’s network after being referred by women detained in Tinsley House who had been helped by Black Women’s Rape Action Project at the Crossroads Women's Centre. Through Legal Action for Women we were able to get a new lawyer who presented a fresh claim to the Home Office.

While detained, Mr Kasujja's health deteriorated. He was diagnosed as suicidal, and suffered from ulcers, depression, insomnia and constant headaches, for which he was heavily medicated. He describes the guards' violent treatment and handling of detainees - who have committed no crime - , including women and children. Women were sometimes drugged and made to sleep for days. Mr Kasujja was handcuffed during his transfer to Court hearings.

The situation of asylum seekers and immigrants has worsened with the new Immigration and Asylum Act, described as "the most reactionary and racist legislation of the past 200 years", This law reinforces detention and gives immigration officers police powers of search and arrest. It also restricts access to the courts by limiting the time available to gather evidence and penalises those who apply for Judicial Review. It sends a signal to racists that Black people – immigrant or British – are not welcome in Britain and not entitled to the same treatment and justice as others.

During Mr Kasujja's detention, the Home Office tried to deport him four times. He had to confront not only the Home Office, but also the carelessness, indifference and racism of lawyers and some voluntary organisations. By leading his own battle, with the support of his partner, friends and campaigners, he was able to win his release, after months of persistent work. Organising from detention was extremely difficult not only because resources and communication are restricted, but also because of the additional violence of being wrongly imprisoned.	Mr Kasujja, handcuffed on his way to a Court hearing
	click here for the big picture

To deport Hussein Kasujja after 15 months in detention would be a even greater injustice. Please send letters of support (or use the model letter over) demanding that the Home Office grants Mr Kasujja the right to stay, and send a copy to Payday men’s network at the following address:
PO Box 287 London NW6 5QU Tel 020 7209 4751 Fax 020 7209 4761

CC:
Joan Ruddock MP fax: 020 7219 6045 House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA
Payday men's network, fax: 020 7209 4761 or PO Box 287 London NW6 5QU

Men Count Women

All Women Count