ENTEBBE, Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni has intensified Uganda’s diplomatic campaign for Ambassador Olara Otunnu to become the next Secretary-General of the United Nations, formally presenting him to representatives of UN Security Council member states and announcing a wider international lobbying effort.
The meeting, held at State House, Entebbe, on Sunday, 9 August 2026, marked a new phase in Uganda’s campaign following Otunnu’s formal nomination for the UN’s top diplomatic post in July.
Museveni used the engagement to reaffirm the government’s backing for Otunnu and to make the case for his candidature directly to diplomats from countries that will play a decisive role in choosing the next UN chief.
Rugunda to lead diplomatic campaign
President Museveni announced that former Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda will lead a Ugandan delegation to engage governments in different capitals as Kampala seeks broader international support for Otunnu.
“We are going to send our delegation led by Dr. Rugunda to your capitals,” President Museveni said.
Rugunda, who attended the State House meeting, said Uganda would give Otunnu its full backing and urged the diplomats present to convey the country’s position to their respective governments.
The move signals that Uganda is now shifting from the nomination stage to active diplomatic lobbying, with support from members of the 15-nation UN Security Council particularly important to Otunnu’s prospects.
Museveni presents Uganda’s case
Museveni described Otunnu as an experienced Ugandan statesman and diplomat whose long career within the United Nations system had prepared him for the responsibilities of Secretary-General.
The President also highlighted Uganda’s record in regional peace and security operations and its refugee policy as part of the country’s broader standing within the United Nations system.
Representatives at the meeting included diplomats from permanent and non-permanent members of the Security Council, among them the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, Denmark, Pakistan, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the Office of the President.
Otunnu outlines priorities
During the engagement, Otunnu outlined a vision centred on conflict prevention, international peace and security, peacebuilding, development and reform of the United Nations.
He also called for stronger international cooperation around emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, and argued that the organisation should improve efficiency, coordination, accountability and merit-based recruitment.
Otunnu has previously served as Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, President of the UN Security Council, Chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights and UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict.
Race enters crucial stage
Otunnu is one of seven candidates currently seeking to succeed António Guterres, whose second term as UN Secretary-General ends on 31 December 2026.
The UN Security Council has already begun informal straw polling of candidates. A further informal poll is being targeted for 21 August as council members work towards identifying a candidate capable of securing sufficient support without a veto from any of the five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The Security Council eventually recommends one candidate to the 193-member UN General Assembly for appointment.
Uganda’s diplomatic push therefore comes at a significant stage of the contest, with Kampala now seeking to convert its formal nomination of Otunnu into the international support required for him to remain competitive as the selection process advances.
iTV Uganda previously reported on 26 July that Uganda had formally nominated Otunnu for the position. The latest State House engagement represents a new phase in that campaign, focused on securing direct diplomatic backing from governments involved in the selection process.
