Politics 4 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Museveni's UN Secretary-General Endorsement Surprised Otunnu
Former Ugandan diplomat Olara Otunnu expressed surprise at President Yoweri Museveni's endorsement of António Guterres for a second term as UN Secretary-General, recalling his own past presidential ambitions. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/museveni-s-un-secretary-general-endorsement-came-as-a-surprise-otunnu-5547244
Olala Otunnu, a former Ugandan Permanent Representative to the United Nations and presidential aspirant, revealed that President Yoweri Museveni’s public support for António Guterres’ re-election as UN Secretary-General caught him off guard.
Otunnu stated that Museveni’s endorsement, which came as Guterres sought a second term, was unexpected given the historical context of Ugandan leadership aspirations for the UN’s top job.
While Museveni’s administration has maintained a generally positive relationship with the UN, this specific endorsement of Guterres was not anticipated by Otunnu, who had himself reportedly explored the possibility of seeking Uganda’s backing for a UN leadership role in the past.
The former diplomat’s comments shed light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics and potential political considerations that can influence international appointments.
The UN Secretary-General position is a highly coveted role, often seen as a platform for significant global influence, and past Ugandan figures have expressed interest in it.
Otunnu’s remarks suggest that Museveni’s decision to publicly back Guterres was a notable move that deviated from what might have been expected, particularly from Otunnu’s perspective given his own history and understanding of Ugandan foreign policy towards the UN.
This public expression of surprise by Otunnu highlights the often complex and surprising nature of international political endorsements and the strategic calculations involved.