Winnie Byanyima, the Executive Director of UNAIDS, shared a personal message about her son, Anselm Besigye, and the criticism he faces from conservative Ugandans.
Anselm Besigye, 26, is a second-year PhD candidate and lecturer at Columbia University in New York. He previously earned a master’s degree from the University of Chicago and graduated from Harvard University with distinction in Anthropology. He is the son of Winnie Byanyima and opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye.
Byanyima said she sometimes wished her son embraced more of her Ugandan background, including cutting his hair and dressing in a way considered normal by conservative Ugandans. She said Anselm’s academic achievements made her proud and that she admired his courage.
She also said that love involves letting go and trusting that children will grow in their own way and time.
Anselm has often been criticised on social media for his appearance, including long dreadlocks, jewellery, and gender-fluid clothing. Some critics question his sexuality and upbringing.
In response to a social media comment suggesting she should force him to cut his hair, Byanyima said she would not do so.
Anselm spent much of his childhood outside Uganda after his parents moved abroad when he was three years old, following political challenges linked to his father. He occasionally shares photos of his personal life online, including pictures with his girlfriend Liz.
