President Yoweri Museveni has formally reaffirmed Uganda’s support for Ambassador Olara Otunnu in his bid to become the next United Nations Secretary-General.
The President made the announcement during a meeting with representatives of United Nations Security Council member states at State House, Entebbe.
The meeting gave President Museveni the opportunity to officially present Uganda’s nominee and reaffirm the government’s commitment to mobilising international support for Ambassador Otunnu’s candidature.
Introducing the veteran diplomat, President Museveni described him as a distinguished Ugandan statesman with extensive experience in the United Nations system, saying he is well qualified to lead the organisation at a time of growing global challenges.
The President recalled knowing Ambassador Otunnu since their days at Makerere University, where he served as Guild President, and praised his fluency in English and French as well as his broad diplomatic experience.
President Museveni also noted that despite decades of international service, Ambassador Otunnu has remained active in Uganda’s political life, having served as President of the Uganda People’s Congress and previously contested for the presidency.
The President further highlighted Uganda’s contribution to regional peace and security, its progressive refugee policy, and its democratic credentials as strengths that reinforce the country’s standing within the United Nations.
In his remarks, Ambassador Otunnu thanked President Museveni for the government’s renewed endorsement, saying some Security Council members had sought assurances of Uganda’s commitment following previous unsuccessful attempts.
He outlined his international career, which includes serving 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, and United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict.
Ambassador Otunnu said preventing conflicts, maintaining international peace and security, strengthening peacebuilding, and supporting post-conflict recovery should remain the United Nations’ highest priorities.
He also called for greater efforts to mobilise long-term development financing for developing countries and pledged to promote transparency, merit and inclusivity within the organisation.
He further called for the United Nations to spearhead global cooperation on emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, by bringing together governments, experts and the private sector to ensure technological advancement benefits all humanity.
Former Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda reaffirmed Uganda’s determination to secure broad international backing for Ambassador Otunnu’s candidature.
President Museveni announced that Dr. Rugunda would lead a Ugandan delegation to engage governments in various capitals as part of Uganda’s diplomatic campaign.
Representatives of Security Council member states welcomed the engagement and shared the priorities that will guide their governments during the United Nations Secretary-General selection process.
The diplomats also acknowledged Uganda’s significant contribution to regional peace and security, particularly in the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes Region, as well as its internationally 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.
By News room
03rd Aug 2026
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