President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has endorsed Ambassador Olara Otunnu as Uganda’s candidate for United Nations Secretary-General.
The President presented the seasoned diplomat to representatives of UN Security Council member states at State House, Entebbe.
During the meeting, President Museveni highlighted Otunnu’s extensive multilateral experience and alignment with the international system. He stated 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,” President 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.
“He speaks English and French very well without a tribal accent, so I hand Ambassador Olara Otunnu to you so that he can brief you himself,” the President added.
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.
“Of course, we are also excelling in democracy, although others may have different views, which I will not insist upon. But on refugees and our contribution to regional security, I think everybody will agree.”
Ambassador Otunnu expressed gratitude for the state endorsement. He noted that Security Council envoys previously sought clarity regarding Uganda's commitment to his bid following earlier campaigns.
The candidate outlined an agenda focused on conflict prevention, post-conflict recovery, institutional reform, and mobilizing long-term financing for developing nations. He also advocated for global cooperation on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
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.
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,” Dr. Rugunda said. “I think now is the time to actualise this long-postponed aspiration.”
