Prominent Ugandan activist Stella Nyanzi has accused a German International Labour Organisation (ILO) official of blocking her re-entry to Germany despite her recognized refugee status. Nyanzi shared her ordeal through social media on May 24, alleging she was denied boarding a flight at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), leaving her stranded.
Refugee Status Challenged
According to Nyanzi, the official, identified as Constantine, dismissed her documentation from the Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge (BAMF), which confirms her refugee status in Munich, Germany. Constantine reportedly claimed that she was not a recognized refugee and insisted she reapply for re-entry to Germany.
“As a Ugandan refugee in Germany, I’m shocked that I have been denied re-entry by the German ILO in Nairobi. Despite showing the positive decision from BAMF, Constantine insists I am not a refugee. This is dehumanizing,” Nyanzi lamented.
The activist added that she was left stranded at JKIA and intended to raise her concerns directly with the German Embassy in Nairobi, where Constantine is based.
Frustration of Refugee Dependency
Nyanzi expressed frustration with the challenges of being a refugee, noting the indignity of relying on officials to determine one’s mobility. “Sometimes I hate the dehumanization of being a refugee dependent on others to decide whether I can go to my home or not!” she said.
Related Incident Involving Ugandan Journalist
This incident comes on the heels of another case involving Ugandan journalist and activist Agather Atuhaire. Detained by Tanzanian authorities alongside Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi, Atuhaire was later abandoned at the Mutukula border in poor condition.
Atuhaire recounted being tortured and mistreated during her detention. “When six people blindfolded us and pushed us into a dark car, I thought it was the end. It was terrifying,” she said. Mwangi, who was detained for three days, was found in Ukunda on May 22 in a similarly battered state.
Calls for Accountability
Hussein Khalid, CEO of VOCAL Africa, condemned the treatment of both activists and called for justice. “Tortured, injured, broken body but determined spirit. They must pay for what they did to Boniface Mwangi and Agather Atuhaire. Justice must not only be done but seen to be done,” Khalid asserted.
