Kizza Besigye’s Geneva-based wife Winnie Byanyima alleges facing racism in Switzerland
Mrs Winnie Byanyima, the wife of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, issued a statement claiming she has been enduring racism in Geneva, Switzerland, where she is currently posted as the Executive Director of United Nations (UN) Aids.
“I’ve had enough of racist harassment. For 3 years I’ve lived in a blg (building) with this private park. Security constantly targets me just for exercising in our park. Today, he called the cops on me who rudely stopped my workout. The cops treated me like an intruder in my own space. I’ve had enough of racist harassment. 😡,” said Mrs Byanyima.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Mrs Winifred ‘Winnie’ Karagwa Byanyima of Uganda as the Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).
Upon her appointment, the United Nations especially noted Mrs Byanyima’s wealth of experience and commitment in harnessing the power of government, multilateral agencies, the private sector and civil society to end the HIV and AIDS crisis for communities around the world.
Prior to the appointment, Mrs Byanyima had been the Executive Director of Oxfam International since 2013. Prior to Oxfam, she served for seven years as the Director of Gender and Development at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Her rant on facing racism in Geneva elicited mixed reactions from Ugandans as some urged her to return home where she wouldn’t have to endure racism for the sake of work while others expressed disbelief that such a notable person in society could endure such.
“If this is happening to you, how about the commoners ?” asked Paul O.
“That sounds sweet ironically but acts like those remind you that , that’s not your motherland henceforth park your bags back to the pothole city,” added James Ampairwe.
“Sorry Winnie We know they get triggered by us just being present or becoming excellent but Don’t leave The change that needs to happen is not in moving places They may look down on you but We look up to you Nothing will change that,” said Ayo Adene
“Haha! Welcome to the west babe, home of the whites. These white officers don’t give a damn if you think you get paid big or boss, they will, nevertheless, harass your black skin,” opined S Zigomba.
Over the past few years, some countries across Europe and America saw minority races demonstrate on the streets against the weaponizing of police forces by people who had racist tendencies. Instances mentioned were especially of Caucasian people calling the police on minority races like black Americans and Hispanics. This was also combined with the fact of several American Caucasian law enforcement officers being prosecuted for using unnecessary force in the line of duty and often killing innocent minority race people, especially blacks.
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