Uganda Nominates Olara Otunnu, 75, for U.N. Secretary-General
Uganda has officially nominated former U.N. official Olara Otunnu as its candidate for the next U.N. Secretary-General. The nomination has been circulated to member states, initiating the formal selection process.
Why it matters
The selection of a U.N. Secretary-General is a major geopolitical event that influences international diplomacy and global policy priorities.
Uganda has nominated former United Nations Under-Secretary-General Olara Otunnu for the post of U.N. Secretary-General, with the nomination now formally circulated to all 193 U.N. member states.
In a joint letter dated July 25, U.N. General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock and Security Council President Zenon Ngay Mukongo informed permanent representatives and observers that Uganda had officially presented Otunnu as its candidate.
“The Republic of Uganda has presented the nomination of Mr. Olara Otunnu as candidate for the position of Secretary-General,” the letter said.
The two U.N. leaders said they were forwarding to member states the communication and supporting documents submitted by Uganda’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations on July 24.
“We have the further honour to forward the communication and documents received from the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Uganda to the United Nations dated 24 July 2026 in this respect,” the letter said.
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