Politics 4 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Museveni's UN Nod a Surprise Nomination, Says Otunnu
Uganda's nominee for UN Secretary-General, Olara Otunnu, revealed that President Museveni's endorsement came as a sudden surprise and was not something he had actively pursued. This marks a notable shift given their past political differences. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/museveni-s-un-secretary-general-endorsement-came-as-a-surprise-otunnu-5547244
Olara Otunnu, Uganda’s candidate for the prestigious United Nations Secretary-General position, has disclosed that his nomination by President Yoweri Museveni was unexpected. Otunnu stated in a recent interview that the nomination process moved with surprising speed and was not a goal he had been planning for.
“This is not something I was plotting to do or angling to be a candidate or working towards. It came very suddenly and moved very fast. It was a bit of a roller coaster,” Otunnu explained. He expressed deep honor and gratitude for the government’s decision to put him forward, viewing it as a significant opportunity for Uganda on the international stage.
The nomination represents a significant evolution in Otunnu’s relationship with the current Ugandan government. Over three decades ago, his previous attempt to secure Uganda’s backing for the same role did not materialize due to political disagreements.
When asked about the shift, Otunnu refrained from speculating on President Museveni’s motivations, emphasizing a focus on the present opportunity. He maintained that his core beliefs and vision for Uganda and Africa remain unchanged despite accepting the government’s endorsement. Otunnu highlighted the maturity shown by Ugandans in uniting for a national project, transcending past differences.
Otunnu, a seasoned diplomat, joins six other contenders vying to succeed António Guterres. His past roles include serving as Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the UN and as Foreign Affairs Minister. He also held the position of UN Under-Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. Despite his history as a critic of President Museveni and a period in exile, Otunnu’s nomination is being hailed as a historic moment by some former government officials, who urge national support for his candidacy.