Entebbe, Uganda: President Museveni has formally reaffirmed Uganda’s support for Ambassador Olara Otunnu’s candidature for the position of United Nations Secretary-General, unveiling an intensified diplomatic campaign to rally international backing for the veteran diplomat’s bid to lead the world’s premier multilateral organisation.
The President made the commitment during a meeting at State House Entebbe with ambassadors and representatives of member states serving on the United Nations Security Council, where he officially presented Ambassador Otunnu as Uganda’s nominee and appealed for their support during the selection process.
Describing Otunnu as an accomplished statesman with an extensive record of international service, Museveni said the veteran diplomat possesses the experience and leadership qualities needed to steer the United Nations at a time of increasing global uncertainty.
“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 said he had known Ambassador Otunnu since their days at Makerere University, where Otunnu served as Guild President, noting that his longstanding commitment to public service has been matched by an impressive international diplomatic career.
Museveni also highlighted Otunnu’s fluency in both English and French, describing his multilingual ability as an added advantage for someone aspiring to lead a global institution.
“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 used the occasion to highlight Uganda’s credentials within the United Nations system, particularly its contribution to regional peace and security as well as its internationally recognised 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,” Museveni said.
He added: “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.”
The President also observed that despite spending decades serving the international community, Ambassador Otunnu has remained an influential political figure at home, having previously served as President of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and contested for Uganda’s presidency.
Otunnu outlines vision for the United Nations
In his address, Ambassador Otunnu thanked President Museveni for reaffirming the government’s support, revealing that several Security Council members had sought assurances regarding Uganda’s commitment following previous unsuccessful attempts to secure the country’s endorsement.
He said the President was best placed to clarify Uganda’s official position and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to jointly engage diplomats.
Ambassador Otunnu outlined a vision centred on strengthening the United Nations’ effectiveness, credibility and responsiveness to emerging global challenges.
Drawing on decades of international experience, he said conflict prevention, peacekeeping, peacebuilding and post-conflict recovery should remain the organisation’s foremost priorities.
He also called for institutional reforms aimed at improving efficiency, accountability and coordination within the UN system while promoting greater transparency, merit and inclusivity in recruitment.
On development financing, Otunnu argued that the Secretary-General should play a stronger convening role in mobilising long-term resources for developing countries with credible development strategies but limited access to financing.
He further proposed enhanced international cooperation on emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, urging the United Nations to bring together governments, academia, industry and the private sector to ensure technological advances benefit all humanity.
Ambassador Otunnu said the office of the Secretary-General should continue to be guided by moral authority, humility, consensus-building and active engagement with member states in advancing peace, sustainable development and international cooperation.
Otunnu brings decades of international diplomatic experience to the race, having previously served as Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, President of the UN Security Council, Chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights, President of the International Peace Academy, now known as the International Peace Institute, and later as United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict.
His career has spanned peace and security, humanitarian affairs, human rights and international development, making him one of Uganda’s most accomplished diplomats on the global stage.
Former Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda reaffirmed Uganda’s determination to mobilise international support for Ambassador Otunnu’s candidature.
President Museveni announced that Rugunda would lead a high-level Ugandan delegation to engage governments across different capitals as part of the country’s diplomatic outreach. “We are going to send our delegation led by Dr. Rugunda to your capitals,” Museveni said.
Rugunda described Ambassador Otunnu as a distinguished Ugandan statesman whose service at both national and international levels has prepared him to lead the United Nations. “I am very happy that you have endorsed Ambassador Otunnu. We will give him our full support,” Rugunda said.
He expressed optimism that the time had come for Uganda’s long-standing aspiration to see one of its diplomats elected Secretary-General. “I think now is the time to actualise this long-postponed aspiration.”
Rugunda also appealed to ambassadors attending the meeting to relay Uganda’s message of support to their respective governments. “I hope that the ambassadors will clearly convey the message to their respective governments.”
Diplomats welcome engagement
Representatives of both permanent and non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council welcomed the opportunity to engage President Museveni and Ambassador Otunnu.
They outlined the priorities that would guide their governments during the Secretary-General selection process and commended Ambassador Otunnu’s distinguished international record.
The diplomats also welcomed his emphasis on peace and security, sustainable development, human rights, institutional reform and the governance of emerging technologies, while acknowledging Uganda’s contribution to regional peace and security, particularly in the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes Region, as well as its globally recognised refugee policy.
The meeting was attended by ambassadors representing both permanent and non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, including Somalia, Denmark, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Pakistan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, the United States and other member states.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
