Uganda’s nominee for United Nations Secretary-General, Olara Otunnu, has said he never planned to run for the world’s top diplomatic job.
According to Otunnu, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s decision to nominate him happened very quickly and was unexpected. He described the process as sudden and fast-moving.
Otunnu expressed gratitude to President Museveni and the Ugandan government for the nomination, calling it an honor to represent Uganda on the global stage.
The endorsement marks a major turnaround in his relationship with government. Over 30 years ago, a similar bid by Otunnu to get Uganda’s backing for the same position did not succeed due to political differences.
On the change in stance, Otunnu chose not to speculate on the President’s reasons, noting that the focus should be on the present. He maintained that his principles, views and commitment to Uganda and Africa remain unchanged.
He added that accepting the nomination does not mean abandoning his long-held beliefs. He emphasized that despite past differences, Ugandans had shown maturity by uniting behind a national project for the country’s benefit and honor.
President Museveni endorsed Otunnu last week for the position to replace António Guterres. He now joins six other candidates including Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, Rafael Grossi of Argentina, Michelle Bachelet of Chile, María Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador, Macky Sall of Senegal, and Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett of Guyana.
