Anselm Besigye, the son of UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima and Dr. Kizza Besigye, has set his sights on the illustrious Columbia University for his fully-funded PhD journey. The announcement, made by his proud mother on X, has sent waves through the academic and social spheres.
“๐๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐จ๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐จ๐ ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฒ-๐๐ฎ๐ง๐๐๐ ๐๐ก๐ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ โฆ@UniofOxfordโฉ, @UofCโฉ ๐๐ง๐ @Columbia, @akbesigyeโฉ ๐ก๐๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐๐ฉ๐ญ๐๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐จ๐๐๐๐ซ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ @Columbia,” Byanyima joyfully shared. “๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก ๐๐๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ญ๐จ ๐ฌ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ @UofCโฉ & ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ง ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐ง ๐๐ฑ๐๐จ๐ซ๐. ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐๐. ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฆ.”
Anselm’s Academic Odyssey
Anselm Besigye found himself at the crossroads of academic excellence, having received scholarships from prestigious institutions such as the University of Oxford and the University of Chicago. However, it was the allure of Columbia University, nestled in the heart of New York City, that captured his scholarly spirit.
The Path to Scholarship Success
Curious minds wondered how one secures such coveted scholarships. One follower, in a candid moment, asked Byanyima for guidance: “How do people get hands-on these kings of scholarships, because we be hunting for them on the Internet and other platforms but all in vain, please madam acknowledge and please if you gat one for an undergraduate, I am here and willing to relocate?”
To which Byanyima graciously responded, shedding light on Anselm’s journey: “He applied to the universities directly, submitted his PhD draft proposal, samples of his writing, including a summary of his Master’s thesis, etc., and submitted within the timelines set. He was then shortlisted and interviewed. Good luck to you. Keep trying.”
A Proud Legacy
Winnie Byanyima, at the helm of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), and her husband Dr. Kizza Besigye, have long stood as pillars of both activism and family. Married since 1999, their son Anselm stands as a testament to their dedication to education and excellence.
Anselm Besigye’s journey to Columbia University is not just a personal triumph but a symbol of aspiration for many, echoing the sentiment that with dedication, hard work, and a touch of luck, the world’s most prestigious academic doors can swing open.
As Anselm prepares to embark on this new chapter, the world eagerly awaits the scholarly contributions he will undoubtedly make, carrying with him the proud legacy of his family’s commitment to education and progress.
