Winston Secures Asylum for Ugandan Political Reporter

Winston helped a Ugandan radio talk show host secure asylum after he faced police threats and violence for allowing people to criticize the government of Uganda on his show.

After being threatened by police for allowing free political speech on his talk show, our client was kidnapped, imprisoned, and tortured by Ugandan security forces. He eventually escaped and made his way to the United States, where he applied for asylum in February 2020.

Twice, the Winston team appeared in court ready for trial, only to have the Department of Homeland Security move for emergency continuances. When the trial finally went forward, the Winston team won a life-changing victory for our client, thanks to the team’s extensive documentation and our client’s direct testimony.

Our client was extremely grateful for the firm’s pro bono representation stating, “You believed in me and stayed by my side through it all these years. When I thought it was too much to handle and felt like giving up, you were there for me to give me strength and hope. I feel I have won my life back.”

Chicago Partner Kevin Goldstein said, “Our client stood up for democracy and free political discourse in Uganda and suffered for it. After a long legal journey, the Immigration Court ultimately agreed with us that our client met all criteria for asylum. We wish him every success with this new beginning in the United States and hope he will be reunited as soon as possible with his wife and children.”

The Winston team included Daniel Blouin and Kevin Goldstein.

Learn more about Winston’s commitment to excellence in serving the public interest.

Left to Right: Former Chicago Associate Marisa Kovacs, Winston’s client, and Chicago Partner Kevin Goldstein.