President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially presented Ambassador Olara Otunnu as Uganda’s candidate for the position of United Nations Secretary-General, seeking the support of member states represented on the United Nations Security Council.
In a statement shared on his X platform, President Museveni said he met ambassadors representing members of the UN Security Council at State House Entebbe, where he formally introduced Ambassador Otunnu’s candidature.
The President urged the diplomats to relay Uganda’s endorsement to their respective governments as the process of selecting the next UN Secretary-General gathers momentum.
Museveni described Ambassador Otunnu as a seasoned diplomat with the experience, integrity, and leadership qualities required to head the United Nations. “Today, at State House Entebbe, I met Ambassadors representing members of the United Nations Security Council and formally presented Ambassador Olara Otunnu as Uganda’s candidate for the position of United Nations Secretary-General,” the President said.
He added that Uganda’s endorsement is founded on Ambassador Otunnu’s diplomatic credentials and the country’s commitment to international peace and humanitarian values.
The President noted that Uganda’s longstanding contribution to regional peace and security, as well as its role as one of the world’s leading refugee-hosting nations, reflects the principles underpinning the country’s support for Otunnu’s bid.
Ambassador Olara Otunnu is an experienced diplomat who has previously served in senior international positions, including as Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and as the UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict.
Uganda’s endorsement marks the country’s formal entry into the race to have one of its diplomats lead the world’s highest multilateral organisation, with Kampala now seeking the backing of UN member states, particularly those represented on the Security Council, which plays a central role in the Secretary-General selection process.
