Uganda Nominates Olara Otunnu for UN Secretary
The Ugandan government has officially nominated diplomat Olara Otunnu as a candidate for the next UN Secretary-General. The selection process for the successor to António Guterres is set to begin ahead of the 2026 deadline.
Why it matters
The nomination represents a significant diplomatic move for Uganda and highlights the competitive nature of leadership roles within the United Nations.
Side-by-side images of Ugandan president, Yoweri Museveni, and UN SG Antonio Guterres Kenyans.co.ke --> The Ugandan government has nominated veteran diplomat and former United Nations official Ambassador Olara Otunnu for the position of UN Secretary-General, formally entering the race to lead the global body.
In a statement issued on Sunday, July 26, Uganda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it had submitted Otunnu's candidature for the top UN post as the search begins for a successor to António Guterres, whose second term ends on December 31, 2026.
The government described Otunnu as a distinguished statesman and international civil servant with more than four decades of experience in international diplomacy, government, academia and civil society, saying his extensive leadership background makes him well suited to lead the United Nations at a critical moment in global affairs.
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