Politics 27 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Bobi Wine Backs Otunnu for UN Secretary-General, Citing 'Historic Opportunity'
National Unity Platform leader Bobi Wine has endorsed veteran diplomat Olara Otunnu for the position of UN Secretary-General, calling it a historic opportunity for Uganda despite past government friction with Otunnu. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/-historic-opportunity-bobi-wine-rallies-ugandans-behind-olara-otunnu-for-world-s-top-un-job-5573370
Robert Kyagulanyi, commonly known as Bobi Wine, has publicly thrown his support behind Ambassador Olara Otunnu’s bid for the United Nations Secretary-General role. This endorsement comes as Uganda formally nominated Otunnu, a former UN Under-Secretary-General, for the prestigious position.
Bobi Wine, leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), expressed immense pride in Otunnu’s nomination, highlighting his extensive international experience and dedication to human rights and the protection of children in conflict zones. “As a Ugandan, it fills me with pride to see an illustrious son of our nation carry a lifetime of global service, a fierce commitment to the vulnerable, and a deep passion for justice to the world stage,” Kyagulanyi stated.
He emphasized Otunnu’s vision for global institutional reform, asserting that his background makes him uniquely qualified to lead the UN at a critical time for international diplomacy. “His work championing human rights and protecting children in armed conflict is exactly the kind of leadership the global community desperately needs right now,” he added.
The NUP leader acknowledged the historical challenges Otunnu faced with the Ugandan government, recalling how the Museveni regime previously denied him a passport and state endorsement for top international roles. Bobi Wine noted the irony of the government’s current support, suggesting it was a consequence of Otunnu’s past refusal to remain silent on human rights abuses.
While understanding skepticism about the government’s change of heart, Kyagulanyi expressed confidence in Otunnu’s integrity and commitment to global equity. He believes Otunnu will champion multilateral reform and remain a voice for justice, even for his home country. “We can all bank on his long-term, proven integrity and hope that when he rises to become the world’s top diplomat, he will never turn a blind eye to the ongoing struggle for freedom in his own motherland,” Kyagulanyi concluded.