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“Even If You Call Him Gay, Me & My Husband Are Proud Of Our Son” Winnie Byanyima Defends Son Anselm Against Online Critics
Winnie Byanyima, the Executive Director of UNAIDS, has come to the defense of her son, Anselm Besigye, after he faced criticism online over his appearance. The mother of the young academic did not hold back in addressing the social media backlash.
Anselm, the son of Byanyima and opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, has over the years adopted what many would describe as a more feminine look. This has attracted attention and comments from conservative social media users, prompting a wave of discussions about gender expression and identity.
Three days ago, Byanyima shared a photo on X (formerly Twitter) featuring herself and Anselm. The post quickly went viral, sparking a mix of support and criticism from netizens across Uganda and beyond.
In her responses to the online criticism, Byanyima made it clear that she and her husband are proud of their son. She emphasized that their love for Anselm is unconditional, regardless of what others say or think about his appearance.
“Even if you call him gay, me and my husband are proud of our son,” Byanyima wrote, showing her unwavering support. Her words resonated with many who value parental support and acceptance of individuality.
Some of the online reactions were harsh, with critics questioning Anselm’s choices and appearance. Byanyima, however, did not let these comments go unanswered. She firmly defended her son, asserting that love and family support are more important than social judgment.
Anselm Kizza Besigye is currently pursuing a PhD at Columbia University in New York. Despite living far from home, he continues to make headlines, both for his academic achievements and his unique sense of style.
Byanyima’s strong defense of her son highlights the challenges young people face when expressing themselves in conservative societies. Her public support has sparked important conversations about acceptance, individuality, and parental love in Uganda and beyond.
