KAMPALA — Uganda has officially presented Ambassador Olara Otunnu as its candidate for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs arguing that the country’s diplomatic record, peacekeeping contributions and experience within the UN system give it a strong case to lead the global organisation.
Speaking during a media briefing in Kampala, Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Vincent Bagiire said Uganda was presenting a candidate with decades of experience in diplomacy, peacebuilding and international governance at a time when the UN is seeking leadership capable of responding to emerging global challenges.
“Uganda is honoured to present a distinguished statesman whose decades of experience in diplomacy, peacebuilding and international governance position him well to lead the United Nations,” Bagiire said.
Bagiire said Uganda formally nominated Ambassador Otunnu for the UN top job on July 24, 2026, as the selection process for a new Secretary-General begins ahead of the expiry of the current leadership term.
The UN Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council, following a process guided by General Assembly resolutions, including Resolution 79/327, which outlines procedures for selecting and appointing candidates.
Bagiire said Otunnu’s record places him among experienced global leaders, having served as UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict from 1997 to 2005, as well as President of the International Peace Academy.
He said Uganda believes its candidate brings the expertise required to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including conflicts, humanitarian crises, development and reform of multilateral institutions.
Why Uganda Believes It Deserves a Chance
Responding to questions on why Uganda should seek the UN Secretary-General position, Bagiire said the country has consistently contributed to global diplomacy and international peace efforts.
He pointed to Uganda’s previous leadership within key UN organs, including the tenure of former Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Kutesa as President of the UN General Assembly from 2014 to 2015.
“Uganda has been there before and has demonstrated its ability to provide leadership within the United Nations system,” Bagiire said.
He also highlighted Otunnu’s own history within the UN, noting that he became President of the UN Security Council at the age of 31, describing it as evidence of Uganda’s longstanding engagement with the world body.
“Our candidate himself, at the tender age of 31 years, was the President of the UN Security Council. That is a very important organ involving permanent and non-permanent members of the Security Council,” he said.
Beyond diplomatic representation, Bagiire said Uganda’s contributions to peace and security in Africa strengthen its case for the position.
He cited Uganda’s military involvement in Somalia since 2007 under the African Union Mission aimed at stabilising the country, noting that Uganda will mark two decades of participation in the mission next year.
Uganda has also participated in regional security initiatives in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including Operation Shuja, conducted jointly with Congolese authorities against armed groups.
“Peace and security provide the foundation for development, which is a major pillar of the United Nations,” Bagiire said.
Diplomatic Campaign Begins
Bagiire said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has activated its international political cooperation structures to support Otunnu’s candidature and ensure he engages with key stakeholders in the selection process.
He said arrangements are underway for Otunnu to meet the presidents of the UN General Assembly and Security Council after other candidates had already participated in engagement sessions.
Uganda will also pursue what Bagiire described as “shadow diplomacy” — direct engagements with countries that influence the final decision, particularly the five permanent members of the UN Security Council who hold veto power.
“The Secretary-General is elected on the approval of the UN Security Council. If a member of the Security Council vetoes a candidate, it means it cannot progress. Therefore, we need to engage with the five permanent members who have veto power,” he said.
Bagiire said Uganda’s strong diplomatic relations with major global powers, including the United States, Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom, provide a foundation for the campaign.
“We have representatives from countries including the United States, Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom based in Kampala. This demonstrates the strength of our diplomatic relationships,” he said.
Otunnu’s Global Experience
Ambassador Otunnu thanked President Yoweri Museveni, the Government of Uganda and Ugandans for supporting his nomination, saying it was an honour to represent the country on the global stage.
He said his vision for the UN focuses on restoring the moral authority of the organisation, reforming its structures, strengthening peace and security efforts, addressing climate change and ensuring responsible management of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Otunnu argued that while the Secretary-General does not command military or financial power, the office derives influence from the moral authority of the UN Charter.
He said the next Secretary-General must use that authority to restore confidence in the organisation and reconnect the UN with ordinary people.
The former UN Under-Secretary-General joins a field of candidates that includes former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan, Ecuador’s María Fernanda Espinosa, Argentina’s Rafael Mariano Grossi, Mexico’s Alicia Bárcena and Austria’s Carolina Larriera.
Uganda’s bid now moves into the diplomatic phase, where support from UN member states — particularly the five permanent Security Council members — will determine the strength of its campaign.