A Ugandan man has stirred online reactions after making a public marriage proposal directed at the daughter of exiled activist Stella Nyanzi.
The unusual request followed a social media post by Nyanzi celebrating her daughter’s participation in a marathon event supporting girls’ education.
In her post, Nyanzi expressed pride in her daughter, Baraka Bah, who had completed her first 5-kilometre run.
“I am very proud of my daughter, Baraka Bah who completed her first 5 kilometers run around the Kamnader Sea with her friends. The race was organised to support girls’ education. As usual, I was there at the start line and the finish line to cheerlead at the top of my lungs,” she wrote.
Shortly after the post gained attention, Brian Ntale, a Ugandan man, responded with a message that has since gone viral. In his statement, Ntale acknowledged past political disagreements with Nyanzi and issued an apology before expressing his intentions.
“Dear Dr Stella Nyanzi, I know for the fact you hate me because of our political differences… For that I apologize. As an activist hope you can understand,” he wrote. Ntale went on to praise Nyanzi’s parenting, stating, “Firstly I want to thank you for raising your daughter. You’re a good mother for that I respect you.”
He then made his proposal clear, saying, “Stella, kindly allow me say this to you. Your daughter is always in my mind. I love your daughter and I want to date her. I pray you don't find it humiliating… I am so serious about it and you consider it.”
The post has drawn mixed reactions across social media platforms, with some users expressing amusement at the bold approach, while others criticized the public nature of the message, raising concerns about boundaries and appropriateness.
As of now, Stella Nyanzi has not publicly responded to Ntale’s message.
The incident has nonetheless sparked broader discussions on social media etiquette, personal boundaries, and the intersection of public life and private relationships in the digital age.