Politics 5 August 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Otunnu acknowledges persistent rift with Museveni despite UN candidacy backing
Uganda's candidate for UN Secretary-General, Olara Otunnu, has stated that his significant disagreements with President Yoweri Museveni have not been resolved, even as the government publicly supports his campaign for the top UN job. Otunnu described the situation as a moment of national maturity, where Ugandans have united behind a common project despite ongoing political differences. Source: https://observer.ug/news/otunnu-says-rift-with-museveni-persists-despite-backing-him-for-un-top-job
Olara Otunnu, Uganda’s contender for the United Nations Secretary-General position, has openly admitted that his long-standing political differences with President Yoweri Museveni remain unresolved. This comes despite the Ugandan government’s official endorsement of his candidacy.
Speaking to journalists at the Uganda Media Centre, Otunnu characterized the situation as a display of national maturity. “We have come together as Ugandans to support a common Ugandan project,” he stated, emphasizing that while their divergent views persist, they have reached a point of collaboration for the betterment of Uganda’s standing on the international stage.
Otunnu, who previously sought the UN’s top post in 1996 without government support, met President Museveni at State House Entebbe. During the meeting, Museveni formally presented Otunnu as Uganda’s candidate to ambassadors representing UN Security Council members, urging them to convey the nation’s endorsement.
Addressing concerns about his candidacy’s momentum following a low vote count in the first straw poll, Otunnu attributed the result to a delayed start in diplomatic campaigning. He noted that his rivals have been actively engaging with member states for a considerable period, whereas his campaign is just beginning to ramp up.
Adonia Ayebare, Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the UN, echoed Otunnu’s defense, asserting that the race is still wide open and citing precedents where late candidates have succeeded. Ayebare also mentioned that travel clearance for Otunnu’s team to campaign in New York was imminent, and dismissed the notion that the Secretary-General post is automatically designated for any particular region, except for Eastern Europe which has not yet held the position.
When questioned about Uganda’s human rights record, Otunnu focused on his personal history as a lifelong advocate for human rights, highlighting his past efforts in promoting the International Criminal Court and his role as chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights. He pledged to continue championing human rights if elected Secretary-General.
This article is based on information from The Observer (Uganda).