By Special Correspondent

13^th Aug 2012:

A Toronto-based Ugandan woman who was due to be deported to Uganda has been granted a stay of deportation.  Although she is a mother of two, Leatitia Nanziri claims she is lesbian, and was forced to flee Uganda where homosexuality is illegal.

She also claims she was sexually assaulted by a police officer in Uganda – a claim that Uganda Correspondent could not independently very this.  Nanziri says that after she was “outed”, she came to Canada and claimed refugee status, but was denied.

The matter was taken to court for review.  Nanziri’s lawyer, Asiya Hirji, said a judge stayed her client’s removal from Canada because the court had concerns an immigration officer might have made a mistake.

“…I am so happy I have been granted my stay of removal,” Nanziri told this reporter.  “I didn’t want to go back to Uganda because my life would have been in danger. I am so happy. My children are so happy.”

Nanziri will be allowed to remain in Canada until she gets another hearing in about six months.  She told CBC News last week that she was “outed” by her girlfriend’s father.  In the immediate aftermath thereof, Nanziri claims that police officers beat her up and raped her.

Nanziri says she was six months pregnant when she landed in Toronto in June 2004. Canadian officials have raised questions about Nanziri’s claim of being lesbian after she had a second child with a man.

Nanziri however has a ready explanation:  “…I had hoped that the relationship would make my life easier, and I would no longer be alone.  I had never been happy…he promised me heaven on earth,” she said.

Nanziri says when the man found out about her sexual past, he left her.  END.  Login to www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories mid-week for our updates

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