Stella Nyanzi Goes Public With New Love, Challenges “Outdated” Rules on Romance

Ugandan activist and writer Dr. Stella Nyanzi is wearing her heart on her sleeve and she wants the world to see it.

The outspoken poet posted cozy pictures with her new man on X, along with passionate words about love, strength, and breaking outdated rules.

I was created to love and be loved. For me, it is best to be loved openly. I refuse to have another love relationship that is kept a secret. When I love, I love hard.

Nyanzi says that on top of her partner being romantic, he is also strong in ways that truly matter.

All my adult life, I have had to be strong and provide for people. It is great to be loved and held by a strong man unafraid to carry me, as I carry others. Strength is not just biceps; it is willpower, character, stability, leadership. Love gives me strength.

She also took aim at society’s attitude toward older single mothers dating again.

The idea that a middle-aged single mother must not find love again is archaic oppression. When I had lovers in the past 20 years, I never mixed my parenting role with my sexual role. Last year, my sexual relationship ended. I was 50. Today at 51, I welcome love.

Her most romantic line came when she described public affection.

Find a man who holds your hand in public like you are the cherished briefcase storing his treasure. Nothing says, ‘You are mine,’ like a man holding my hand as we walk in public.

Nyanzi was married nearly two decades ago to Ousman, who stayed in the UK after their split.

She raised their three children, a 20-year-old and 18-year-old twins, as a single mother.

In January 2025, she revealed that she had fallen “deeply in love” with a German man.

Their relationship has grown while she lives in exile in Germany.