General/Introductory Questions

Q: What is your name?

A: My name is Irene Nanfuma.

Q: When and where were you born?

A: I was born on December 25, 1990, in Uganda.

Q: Can you tell us about your family background?

A: My parents are the late Kanyike James and Nalukenge Rosemary. I am the third born of five children.

Q: Are you married?

A: Yes, I am married with two biological children.

Q: Where did you attend school?

A: I attended Kitala Junior School, St Catherine Senior Secondary School, and Light College Mukono.

Q: What is your involvement in politics?

A: I am a Busiro South youth mobilizer for the National Unity Platform (NUP).

Q: How did you develop an interest in politics?

A: Growing up, I watched my mother being actively involved in politics, which inspired my interest.

Q: What positions have you held in your political career?

A: I held several leadership positions during my school years and have been a youth mobilizer and a
polling agent for the NUP.

Past Harm Questions

Q: Have you ever been arrested or detained due to your political activities?
A: Yes, I have been arrested and detained multiple times due to my political activities.
Q: Can you describe the incident in July 2018 during the Bugiri by-elections?
A: We were celebrating our win when police raided the polling station, detained us, and subjected us to
torture for two weeks.

Q: How were you treated during your detention?

A: We were mistreated through various torture methods, including beatings.

Q: How were you released from detention?

A: My mother bribed the officers to secure my release on bond.

Q: Have you faced any harm from the ruling party after the 2021 General Elections?
A: Yes, the ruling party has continued to abduct and kill NUP party members and its affiliates.

Q: What happened on September 15, 2022?

A: Our home was raided by unknown gunmen who took my husband to an unknown location.

Q: Did you try to find your husband?

A: Yes, we searched various police stations, but we were told he was not there.

Q: What happened on September 30, 2022?

A: The police raided a NUP meeting I was attending, and we were detained and beaten.

Q: How were you released from the police station in October 2022?
A: My mother secured my release on a bond.

Q: Did you seek medical treatment for your injuries?

A: Yes, I was treated for my injuries at the hospital on October 5, 2022.

Future Harm Questions

Q: Do you fear for your life if you return to Uganda?
A: Yes, I fear being tortured, arrested, or even killed.

Q: Why do you believe you are at risk in Uganda?

A: Due to my political activities and the ongoing persecution of NUP members by the ruling party.

Q: Have you received any threats?

A: Yes, the continuous raids, arrests, and abductions are threats to my life.

Q: Do you believe the government of Uganda would protect you?

A: No, the government is responsible for the persecution.

Q: Are there any safe areas in Uganda where you could relocate?
A: No, I would still be at risk of being found and persecuted.

Internal Flight Questions

Q: Have you tried relocating within Uganda to seek safety?
A: Yes, I moved to the village (Saala) to hide.

Q: Did you feel safe in the village?

A: No, I was still worried about being found and harmed.

Q: Did your mother help you in the village?

A: Yes, she brought papers for me to sign and eventually helped me leave the country.

Q: Why did you leave the village?

A: My mother was concerned for my safety and arranged for me to go to Canada.

Q: Could you return to the village now?

A: No, it would not be safe as the government could still find me.
Delay in Seeking Asylum Questions
Q: When did you arrive in Canada?
A: I arrived in Canada on September 20, 2023.

Q: Why did you not seek asylum immediately upon arrival?

A: I was still traumatized and needed time to understand my options.

Q: How did you come to the decision to seek asylum?

A: After considering my situation and the dangers of returning to Uganda, I decided to seek asylum for
my safety.

Q: Did you understand the asylum process when you arrived?

A: No, I needed time to learn about the process and find the right assistance.

Q: Have you received any assistance since arriving in Canada?

A: Yes, my mother's friend helped process my visa and guided me on what to do next.

Wrap-Up Questions
Q: What do you hope to achieve by seeking asylum in Canada?
A: I hope to find safety and protection from persecution.

Q: How do you plan to support yourself in Canada?

A: I am willing to work and contribute to the community while staying safe.

Q: Do you have any family members in Canada?

A: No, my family is still in Uganda.

Q: How are your children being cared for while you are in Canada?
A: My children are staying with my sister in Uganda.
Q: Do you have any plans to reunite with your children in Canada?
A: Yes, I hope to bring them to Canada once I am settled and can ensure their safety.

Q: What would happen to you if you were forced to return to Uganda?

A: I fear I would be arrested, tortured, or even killed.

Q: How has your involvement with the NUP affected your life?
A: It has led to continuous threats, arrests, and the disappearance of my husband.

Q: Do you have any evidence to support your claims?

A: Yes, I have medical records, police reports, and witness testimonies.

Q: How has the political situation in Uganda changed in recent years?

A: The political situation has worsened, with increased persecution of opposition members.

Q: Why did your mother believe it was urgent to send you to Canada?
A: She feared for my life and wanted to ensure my safety.

Q: Can you describe the political climate in Uganda?

A: The ruling party uses violence and intimidation against opposition members and supporters.

Q: How has the NUP responded to the persecution?

A: The NUP continues to advocate for change despite the risks and persecution.

Q: Have you sought any legal advice since arriving in Canada?

A: Yes, I have sought legal advice to understand my rights and the asylum process.

Q: What impact has the political persecution had on your mental health?
A: It has caused significant trauma and stress, especially with the disappearance of my husband.
Q: Are there any specific incidents that made you realize you needed to leave Uganda?
A: The continuous raids, arrests, and the disappearance of my husband made it clear that I was no longer
safe.

Q: How do you feel about your chances of returning to Uganda in the future?
A: I fear it will not be safe to return as long as the current government is in power.

Q: What steps have you taken to ensure your safety in Canada?

A: I have sought legal advice, applied for asylum, and am staying in contact with supportive individuals.

Q: Do you have any plans for your future if granted asylum?

A: I plan to build a safe and stable life for myself and eventually reunite with my children.

Q: What message would you like to convey to the court about your situation?
A: I ask for protection and safety so I can live without fear of persecution.

Q: How have your past experiences shaped your current outlook on life?
A: My experiences have made me more resilient but also more cautious about my safety.

Q: What support system do you have in place in Canada?

A: I have support from my mother's friend who helped me process my visa and navigate the initial stages
of my stay.

Q: How did your mother manage to get you a visa to Canada?

A: She reached out to a friend who helped process the visa and facilitated my travel.

Q: What are your thoughts on the political future of Uganda?

A: I hope for a peaceful change where opposition members can participate without fear of persecution.

Q: Do you believe international intervention could help your situation?

A: Yes, international attention and intervention might help highlight the human rights abuses in Uganda.
Q: How do you plan to contribute to the community in Canada if granted asylum?
A: I plan to work, engage in community activities, and support others facing similar challenges.

Q: What are your immediate needs while awaiting the decision on your asylum application?
A: My immediate needs include legal support, safe housing, and a means to communicate with my
family.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add to support your asylum claim?
A: I deeply fear for my safety if I return to Uganda and implore the court to grant me protection to ensure
I can live without fear of persecution.x`
General/Introductory Questions (continued)
Q: What roles did your parents play in your upbringing?
A: My mother was a significant influence, especially in politics, while my father passed away when I was
younger.

Q: Can you describe your early involvement in political activities?

A: I attended political rallies with my mother and siblings, and participated in school leadership positions.

Q: What motivates your continued involvement in politics?

A: My desire for positive change in Uganda and the values I inherited from my mother motivate me.

Q: How has your family supported your political activities?

A: My mother has been a constant support, even helping to secure my release when I was detained.

Q: How did you meet your husband?

A: I met my husband in 2006 during a political rally of the FDC (Forum for Democratic Change).

Q: How did your husband's disappearance affect you?

A: It was deeply traumatic and left me fearing for my own safety and the future of my children.
Past Harm Questions (continued)
Q: Can you describe the political climate in Uganda during your childhood?
A: The political climate was tense, with frequent crackdowns on opposition members.

Q: How has the treatment of opposition members changed over the years?
A: The treatment has worsened, with increased arrests, detentions, and violent crackdowns.

Q: Were you ever physically harmed during political activities before 2018?
A: I faced threats and harassment, but the physical harm began with the 2018 Bugiri by-elections.

Q: How did the community react to your political involvement?

A: The community was divided; some supported us, while others, aligned with the ruling party, were
hostile.

Q: How did the police justify your arrests?

A: The police often accused us of inciting violence or participating in illegal assemblies, which were false
allegations.

Q: How did your political involvement impact your children?

A: It put them at risk and caused them significant stress, especially with the disappearance of their father.

Q: Were there any legal actions taken against you?

A: Yes, I was detained multiple times, and each time I had to report to the police station regularly.

Q: Can you describe your treatment during the 2018 detention?

A: I was beaten, interrogated harshly, and kept in inhumane conditions.

Q: Did you receive any medical attention during your detentions?

A: No, we were denied medical care while in detention.

Future Harm Questions (continued)

Q: Do you believe you could continue your political activities if you return to Uganda?
A: No, it would be too dangerous, and I would likely face immediate arrest or worse.

Q: What kind of threats did you receive while in Uganda?

A: I received threats of violence, arrest, and even death from both government officials and their
supporters.

Q: How has the international community responded to the political situation in Uganda?
A: There has been some condemnation, but not enough action to protect opposition members like myself.

Q: What specific incidents make you fear for your life if you return?
A: The continuous raids, my husband’s disappearance, and the brutal treatment during detentions.

Q: How do you stay informed about the situation in Uganda from Canada?
A: I stay in touch with family and friends in Uganda and follow news updates online.

Q: Have you had any communications with NUP members since arriving in Canada?
A: Yes, I maintain contact to stay updated and support them from afar.

Q: How has your political party responded to the persecution?

A: The NUP continues to fight for justice and democracy, despite the risks involved.

Q: What are your main concerns for your family in Uganda?

A: I worry about their safety and their well-being, especially given the threats we have faced.

Internal Flight Questions (continued)

Q: Did you consider relocating to a different city within Uganda?
A: Yes, but given the pervasive reach of the government, I would still be at risk.

Q: How effective was your relocation to the village in ensuring your safety?
A: It was a temporary solution, but not a safe long-term option due to ongoing threats.

Q: Were there any specific incidents in the village that made you feel unsafe?
A: While in hiding, the fear of being discovered and the reports of continued abductions were constant
threats.

Q: How did your mother help you manage the risks while in the village?
A: She frequently visited, brought necessary supplies, and eventually arranged for my departure to
Canada.

Q: What measures did you take to avoid detection while in the village?
A: I stayed indoors, avoided contact with outsiders, and relied on my mother for communication.

Q: Were there any attempts to find you by government forces while in hiding?
A: Yes, there were ongoing searches and increased presence of security forces in the area.

Delay in Seeking Asylum Questions (continued)

Q: Did you have any doubts about seeking asylum initially?
A: Yes, I was uncertain and needed time to understand my options and the process involved.

Q: How did your psychological state affect your decision to seek asylum?
A: The trauma and stress from my experiences made it difficult to make immediate decisions.

Q: Did you seek any counseling or psychological support upon arrival in Canada?
A: Yes, I sought counseling to help cope with the trauma and stress.

Q: How did you gather the necessary information to apply for asylum?
A: With the help of my mother’s friend and local support groups, I learned about the process.

Q: How did your previous political activities impact your decision to seek asylum?
A: My ongoing commitment to political change and the associated risks made seeking asylum a necessary
step.

Wrap-Up Questions (continued)

Q: How do you intend to continue your advocacy work if granted asylum?
A: I plan to continue supporting the NUP and advocating for human rights from Canada.

Q: What are your long-term goals if granted asylum in Canada?

A: My long-term goals include securing a safe future for my children, contributing to the community, and
continuing my advocacy work.

Q: Do you have any skills or professions that could help you integrate into Canadian society?
A: Yes, I have skills in community organization, advocacy, and I am willing to work and learn new skills.

Q: How would you describe your commitment to political change in Uganda?

A: My commitment is unwavering; I believe in fighting for democracy and human rights.

Q: What message would you like to convey to the authorities considering your asylum application?
A: I seek protection and the opportunity to live without fear, to contribute positively to society, and to
ensure a safe future for my children.

Q: How would being granted asylum in Canada impact your life and the lives of your children?
A: It would provide safety, stability, and the opportunity to rebuild our lives free from persecution and
fear.