President Yoweri Museveni has officially launched Uganda’s campaign for Ambassador Olara Otunnu to become the next United Nations Secretary-General, presenting the veteran diplomat to representatives of the UN Security Council at State House Entebbe.
The President endorsed Otunnu, a former UN Under-Secretary-General, as Uganda’s candidate to succeed António Guterres, whose term ends on December 31, 2026. The presentation to envoys from Security Council member states marks the formal beginning of Uganda’s diplomatic offensive to secure the top UN post.
President Museveni highlighted Otunnu’s extensive multilateral experience and deep familiarity with the UN system, stating that the nominee possesses the necessary credentials to lead the world body amid mounting global challenges.
“He is really the type of person you will need in the UN system because he is very much aligned to it. I therefore hand over Olara Otunnu to you,” Museveni said.
The President noted their long acquaintance dating back to their student days at Makerere University, where Otunnu served as Guild President. He also commended Otunnu’s command of key international languages, noting that “he speaks English and French very well without a tribal accent.”
President Museveni underscored Uganda’s strong record in global affairs as a foundation for the candidature, pointing to the nation’s contribution to regional security and its progressive refugee policy.
“Uganda’s credentials in the UN are many, but the uncontested ones are two: our contribution to regional security (I don’t think anybody will say Uganda is not known for that) and our support for refugees. Our candidate comes from that background,” he said.
Ambassador Otunnu expressed gratitude for the state endorsement and noted that Security Council envoys had previously sought clarity regarding Uganda’s commitment to his bid following earlier campaigns.
He outlined an agenda focused on conflict prevention, post-conflict recovery, institutional reform, and mobilizing long-term financing for developing nations. Otunnu also advocated for global cooperation on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
To drive the campaign forward, President Museveni announced that former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda will head a diplomatic delegation to foreign capitals.
“We are going to send our delegation led by Dr. Rugunda to your capitals,” President Museveni said.
Dr. Rugunda affirmed the government’s resolve to mobilize international backing for the candidate. “I am very happy that you have endorsed Ambassador Otunnu. We will give him our full support. I think now is the time to actualise this long-postponed aspiration.”
Visiting diplomats from Security Council member countries, including representatives from the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, and regional partners, welcomed the presentation and acknowledged Uganda’s regional peacekeeping contributions.
The nomination comes as Otunnu joins a competitive field of candidates vying to become the first Ugandan and one of the few Africans to serve as UN Secretary-General. The UN General Assembly will formally appoint the successor after the Security Council recommends a single candidate, with the new Secretary-General set to take office on January 1, 2027.
