Asylum seeker with AIDS loses court fight to halt dispersal.

A asylum seeker with Aids lost her High Court bid to stay in
London this week, after she claimed that to be moved 200 miles away
under the dispersal scheme would be a breach of her human rights,
writes Clare Jerrom.

Jennifer Muguanguzi from Uganda was ordered to be dispersed to
Leeds in Yorkshire last year, because of the pressure on asylum
support services in the capital.

Her barrister Christa Fielden argued that the decision had not
taken into account Muguanguzi’s medical condition and the
effect that moving her away from friends and doctors currently
treating her could have on her mental health.

Mr Justice Golding said although he wouldn’t necessarily
have come to the same conclusion as home secretary David Blunkett,
he could not say in law that the decision was
“unreasonable”.

He added that Muguanguzi would get the same medical treatment in
Yorkshire as she does in London, her friends and family could still
visit her and being a “resourceful and well-educated”
woman, she would be able to make new friends in Leeds.

The judge concluded that even if she stayed in London, she would
have to move house, disrupting her “support
network”.

Muguanguzi is currently facing deportation for being an illegal
immigrant but she is fighting her case. Golding said she will not
have to move to Leeds until she learns of the outcome of her asylum
appeal, expected in May.