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Winnie Byanyima, the Executive Director of UNAIDS, has spoken out about the emotional toll her husband's imprisonment has taken on their family, particularly their son, Anselm Besigye.
In an interview over the weekend, Byanyima expressed frustration and deep disappointment over the way Ugandans ridicule and insult her son online while he struggles to process his father’s situation.
‘People Are Heartless’ – Byanyima Speaks on Online Insults
Byanyima was particularly distressed by the insults and vicious online attacks her son has faced.
Over the years, Anselm Besigye’s lifestyle, fashion choices, dreadlocks, and even his sexuality have been scrutinised and ridiculed by Ugandans on social media.
Some have used his unique sense of style to question his masculinity, often making insensitive and degrading comments about him.
“I feel so hurt when I see people insulting him in the media. The kid is petrified—he thinks his dad is about to get murdered. He is trying to study, but he cannot concentrate,” she revealed.
Byanyima explained that her son, who is currently pursuing a PhD in New York, frequently checks the news to stay informed about his father’s situation.
Instead of finding reassurance, she said, he is met with endless attacks from people who seem to take pleasure in mocking him during such a difficult time.
“When he goes to check what is happening back home, all he sees are insults. People are heartless, and it hurts me,” she added.
Sleepless Nights and Emotional Struggles
On top of her demanding career, Byanyima says she has to be a pillar of emotional support for her son.
Despite her exhausting schedule, she ensures that she stays in touch with him daily, even if it means sacrificing her own rest.
"On a typical day, I am running from prison to check on my husband, speaking with his lawyers, attending meetings with his assistants, and fulfilling my UNAIDS duties. Before I know it, it is 1 am in the morning, but I still have to call my son because he is waiting for me. And this is when I am able to go to sleep at about 3 am," she revealed.
Even with her best efforts, she admitted that the pressure is overwhelming, and the cruelty directed at her son only makes things worse.