diff --git a/modules/backend/classes/WidgetBase.php b/modules/backend/classes/WidgetBase.php
index b286464fe..9456644bb 100644
--- a/modules/backend/classes/WidgetBase.php
+++ b/modules/backend/classes/WidgetBase.php
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ abstract class WidgetBase
     /**
      * @var Backend\Classes\Controller Backend controller object.
      */
-    public $controller;
+    protected $controller;
 
     /**
      * @var string A unique alias to identify this widget.
@@ -179,6 +179,14 @@ abstract class WidgetBase
         return $result;
     }
 
+    /**
+     * Returns the controller using this widget.
+     */
+    public function getController()
+    {
+        return $this->controller;
+    }
+
     //
     // Session management
     //