President Museveni has formally reaffirmed Uganda’s support for Olara Otunnu’s candidature for the position of secretary general of the United Nations.
Introducing Otunnu to the diplomats at State House Entebbe, Museveni described him as a distinguished Ugandan statesman and experienced diplomat whose long service within the United Nations system makes him well qualified to lead the organisation at a time of growing global challenges.
“He is really the type of person you will need in the UN system because he is very much aligned to it. I therefore hand over Olara Otunnu to you,” Museveni said.
The president said he had known Otunnu since their days at Makerere University, where Otunnu served as guild president. He also praised his fluency in English and French, saying his multilingual ability and diplomatic experience would be valuable in the role.
“He speaks English and French very well without a tribal accent, so I hand Ambassador Olara Otunnu to you so that he can brief you himself,” the President said.
He noted that although Otunnu has spent many years serving the international community, he has remained active in Uganda’s political life.
Otunnu previously served as president of the Uganda People’s Congress and has also contested for the presidency in 2011.
“Uganda’s credentials in the UN are many, but the uncontested ones are two: our contribution to regional security. I don’t think anybody will say Uganda is not known for that. The second is our support for refugees. Our candidate comes from that background,” he said.
Museveni announced that Dr Rugunda would lead a Ugandan delegation to engage governments in different capitals as part of the country’s diplomatic campaign.
In his remarks, Otunnu thanked President Museveni for the government’s endorsement. He said several members of the UN security council had sought assurances about Uganda’s commitment to his candidature following previous unsuccessful attempts to secure the country’s backing.
He said he had informed them that President Museveni was best placed to clarify Uganda’s position and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to meet the representatives together with the Head of State.
Otunnu outlined his international career, saying he had served as Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, President of the UN Security Council, Chairperson of the UN Commission on Human Rights, President of the International Peace Academy, now known as the International Peace Institute, and United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict.
He said his experience covers peace and security, humanitarian affairs, human rights and development, and that his leadership approach is based on dialogue and consensus building.
Otunnu reaffirmed his commitment to promoting transparency, merit and inclusiveness within the United Nations. He said recruitment should reflect the organisation’s universal character while maintaining the highest professional standards.
Representatives of security council member states welcomed the opportunity to engage with President Museveni and Otunnu. They outlined the priorities that would guide their respective governments during the selection process for the next secretary general.
Dr Rugunda also appealed to the diplomats to convey Uganda’s message of support to their respective governments.
“I hope that the ambassadors will clearly convey the message to their respective governments.”
