Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Winnie Byanyima, has shared a deeply personal reflection on motherhood, culture, and the silent struggles of parenting within African society.
In an emotional message, Byanyima praised her son Anselm Besigye for his outstanding academic journey, revealing that he is currently in his second year of PhD studies and already teaching — achievements that, she says, fill her with pride and admiration.
However, in a moment of raw honesty, the global health leader admitted that part of her still wishes her son would conform more closely to traditional expectations.
“Our son Anselm, in his second year of PhD studies and already teaching, fills me with pride. I admire his brilliance and courage. And yes, I sometimes wish he embraced more of my faith, my community — and even cut his hair, so he might appear more ‘normal’ to the conservative Ugandan gaze that raised me,” Byanyima wrote.
She added that while the feelings come naturally from her upbringing, she is learning that real love also means releasing control and trusting children to grow into their own identity.
“I am learning that love is also a practice of letting go and trusting that our children will grow into their light in their own time.”
Anselm Besigye — son of opposition stalwart Dr. Kizza Besigye — has for years attracted public attention for maintaining dreadlocks, a style that some conservative sections of society criticize as being “un-African” or inconsistent with cultural expectations.
Byanyima’s statement has since ignited widespread conversation online, with many parents relating to the delicate balance between cultural tradition and unconditional acceptance.
Comments (0)
📌 By commenting, you agree to follow these rules. Let’s keep HowweBiz a safe and vibrant place for music lovers!
