Museveni campaigns for Otunnu at UN

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President Yoweri Museveni has formally endorsed former UN diplomat Olara Otunnu for the position of United Nations (UN) secretary-general, using his address to the 81st UN General Assembly to market the veteran diplomat as the ideal candidate to lead the world body at a time of global uncertainty.

Museveni’s statement was delivered on Wednesday by Vice-President Jessica Alupo. UNGA kicked off on September 8 under the theme: Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all.

Vice President Jessica Alupo delivering President Yoweri Museveni’s statement to the 81st UN General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, September 24, 2026. (Courtesy photo)

Museveni, who told the session that he was unable to attend in person and delegated Alupo to represent him, said Otunnu brings over four decades of distinguished service across the UN system, international diplomacy and public administration.

As the inaugural Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict (1998–2005), Museveni told world leaders that Otunnu placed the protection of war-affected children firmly on the Security Council agenda and established the monitoring and reporting mechanism under Resolution 1612 (2005).

“His extensive experience, statesmanship and proven capacity for consensus-building make him exceptionally qualified to lead the Secretariat at this critical time,” the President, who has led Uganda uninterrupted since 1986, said.

This comes as the selection process for the next UN secretary-general enters its most critical phase.

Otunnu courting powers

Otunnu, 76, is also attending the ongoing session together with his head of the campaign, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, the special envoy for special duties in the Office of President Museveni.

He has used the occasion to court some major powers such as the UK and France as well as different delegates attending the conference.

This year’s session is the last for the current secretary general, António Guterres, who will end his second term of office on December 31.

Museveni also thanked Guterres for his “unwavering commitment” to the 81-year-old international organisation.

Otunnu is in the race to replace Guterres with Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan, Chile’s Michelle Bachelet, Ecuador’s Maria Fernanda Espinosa, Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Senegal’s Macky Sall, Argentina’s Rafael Grossi and Ecuador’s Ivonne Baki.

Otunnu has been taking his campaign to capitals that matter most in the Council since August 24 and has already met officials from its five permanent “P5” members, who will decide the election expected to be held next month.

The P5 members with the right of veto are the United States, Russia, China, France and the UK.

Otunnu has also met officials from the 10 non-permanent members of the Council, including those from Bahrain, Greece and Latvia.

Under the selection procedure, the 15-member Council recommends a single candidate for the General Assembly to essentially rubber-stamp.

Very uncertain times

Museveni also told world leaders that they must confront the reality of living in very uncertain times, shadowed by the persistent threat of global conflict.

“It is imperative that we work together to avert warfare. We must reflect on the founding principles of the UN Charter and recommit ourselves to saving succeeding generations from the scourge of war, reaffirming faith in fundamental human rights and the dignity of the human person.”

He also said they must ensure equal rights for all nations large and small, establishing conditions for justice and respect for international law and promoting social progress alongside better standards of life.

“Uganda firmly believes that multilateralism and international cooperation remain the most vital mechanisms for addressing our shared challenges. Accordingly, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles of the UN Charter as the cornerstone of global diplomacy, supporting the interconnected pillars of peace and security, human rights, humanitarian affairs and sustainable development.”

The Ugandan leader also said they believe the UN must remain agile and adaptive to evolving global realities.

“Uganda is committed to working with the entire membership to build consensus on necessary systemic reforms, particularly within the UN Security Council. We call for a comprehensive reform to render the Council more equitable, transparent, democratic and representative.”

In this regard, he said, they demand Africa’s rightful representation—in both the permanent and non-permanent categories—to correct historical imbalances in line with the Common African Position as articulated in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.

Regarding the ongoing UN80 initiative, Museveni said Uganda commends efforts to streamline the UN system to make it cost-effective, efficient and well-coordinated.

“However, these reform processes must not dilute agreed UN mandates, commitments, or programs, nor should they impede the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.”