A PREGNANT Ugandan woman and her two-year-old daughter who made their home in the region are on the verge of being sent back to Africa.

Friends of Elizabeth Kiwunga, 27, and her daughter, Hilary- Marie, are fighting to keep them in the country.

A local vicar, an MEP, a councillor and a community group are all part of the campaign.

Since moving to Darlington last year, Ms Kiwunga has joined a local church, a mother and toddler group and other groups.

But, nearly five weeks ago, the family were taken in the middle of the night by immigration officers.

In a letter sent to Darlington councillor Cyndi Hughes, seen by The Northern Echo, she said officers did not let her put on underwear or change her daughter's nappy.

They have been detained at Yarl's Wood Immigration Removal Centre, in Bedfordshire.

Two weeks ago, the local vicar, the Reverend Sheilagh Williamson, offered to pay bail for Ms Kiwunga and let the family stay at her house.

However, a judge rejected the offer, and the family were kept at Yarl's Wood, described by Mrs Williamson as an open prison.

Ms Kiwunga's letter said: "Immigration want to take me back to my country by force, and they know my life there is in danger.

"It makes my life very stressed, sad, and mad. I wish I can die, but I have my younger daughter."

Ms Kiwunga came to England in 2002 with her then-husband, who applied for joint asylum. He had criticised the Ugandan government and feared reprisal.

Their claim was rejected, as was the subsequent appeal. She has since left her husband, and made a new claim in October last year, which was rejected in December.

An appeal was heard and dismissed in February this year.

But her supporters said the new asylum claim did not receive a fair hearing, nor were new factors considered. She was also not given Legal Aid.

After her claim was rejected in December last year, she was moved by immigration authorities from Southampton to Darlington.

She was housed in Humber Place, Skerne Park, and arrived on Christmas Eve.

Mrs Williamson, the vicar of St Columba's Church, Clifton Avenue, Darlington, said: "It is a common misunderstanding that asylum seekers get everything provided, but they do not.

"Someone once said to her: Disappear, do it illegally'. But she is determined to do it properly; to stay legally."

Mrs Williamson was told by a Ugandan nun that Ms Kiwunga would face destitution if she was sent back, with her children forced to beg on the streets.

The family were due to be flown back to Uganda on Tuesday, October 9, but a last-minute intervention kept her in the country.

Her supporters are now seeking an appeal on humanitarian grounds, and have asked Home Secretary Jacqui Smith to intervene.

However, Ms Kiwunga could be sent back at any time.

Coun Hughes, MEP Stephen Hughes and the Park East Community Partnership have all campaigned for Ms Kiwunga to stay.

Children at St Columba's junior church have written prayers asking for them to stay.