Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS, has publicly defended her son, Anselm Kizza Besigye, following criticism online about his appearance.
Anselm, the son of Byanyima and opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, has adopted a style that many describe as more feminine, which drew attention from conservative social media users.
Three days ago, Byanyima shared a photo of herself and Anselm on X (formerly Twitter), sparking a mix of support and criticism from netizens across Uganda and beyond.
In response to the online backlash, Byanyima said:
“Even if you call him gay, me and my husband are proud of our son.”
Her statement emphasized unconditional parental love and support, sending a strong message that family acceptance matters more than social judgment.
Anselm Kizza Besigye is currently pursuing a PhD at Columbia University in New York. Despite living abroad, he continues to make headlines for both his academic achievements and unique sense of style.
Byanyima’s defense has sparked wider conversations in Uganda about individuality, gender expression, and the importance of parental support, highlighting the challenges young people face when expressing themselves in conservative societies.
