Ambassador Otunnu has presented himself as a candidate with extensive experience in international diplomacy, peace and security and the United Nations system
By Willy Chowoo
Gulu City
Uganda’s Chief Justice Emeritus, Alfonse Owiny-Dollo Chigamoi, has commended President Yoweri Museveni for endorsing Ambassador Olara Otunnu for the position of United Nations Secretary-General.
Owiny-Dollo described the President’s endorsement as a demonstration of statesmanship and called on Ugandans to unite and pray for Otunnu as he seeks the top UN position.
“It is the highest level of statesmanship exhibited by the President,” Owiny-Dollo noted.
Speaking during the homecoming celebration of Lt Gen Charles Otema Awany in Gulu City, Owiny-Dollo described Ambassador Otunnu as the kind of leader the world needs at a time when the international community is facing numerous challenges.
“Ambassador Olara Otunnu is the best choice for the position of UN Secretary-General.” He said.
Owiny-Dollo urged Ugandans to rally behind Otunnu’s candidature and support him through prayer as the process for selecting the next UN Secretary-General progresses.
Why Otunnu says he is the right candidate
Ambassador Otunnu has presented himself as a candidate with extensive experience in international diplomacy, peace and security and the United Nations system.
Otunnu previously served as Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and later as UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. Uganda formally nominated him for the Secretary-General position in July 2026.
In his vision for the UN, Otunnu says the organisation must restore its moral authority and become more effective in preventing and resolving conflicts.
He has identified the wars and conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan and Iran among the immediate challenges requiring stronger international mediation. His campaign says he would prioritise convening, mediation and peacebuilding to help end these conflicts.
Otunnu has also promised to pursue reforms aimed at making the UN more effective, efficient and accountable. He has called for reform of the Security Council and stronger cooperation among member states.
Another major part of his agenda is the governance of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Otunnu says the UN should bring governments, technology experts and the private sector together to ensure that advances in AI benefit humanity while addressing their risks.
He has further placed the protection of children and women affected by armed conflict at the centre of his vision, drawing on his previous work at the UN, where he championed international mechanisms for monitoring violations against children in armed conflict.
Otunnu faces international competition
Otunnu is competing against several other candidates for the UN’s top diplomatic position.
The candidates currently taking part in the selection process include Rafael Mariano Grossi of Argentina, Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett of Guyana, Macky Sall of Senegal, Michelle Bachelet of Chile, María Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador and Ivonne A-Baki of Iraq, among others. The UN has published the candidates’ vision statements and curricula vitae as part of the selection process.
The selection will ultimately involve the UN Security Council, which recommends a candidate to the General Assembly for appointment.
Acholi Paramount Chief backs Otunnu
The Paramount Chief of Acholi, Rwot Onen David Acana II, has also joined calls for support for Otunnu’s candidature.
Rwot Acana II said the Acholi community is watching the process closely and will determine the next course of action once Otunnu secures the position.
“He is still seeking for the job. Once he gets it, we shall be able to tell you the next course of action,” Rwot Acana II said.
Owiny-Dollo also called for restraint in public discourse, urging people not to respond to those who attack or abuse others with similar attacks.
He appealed for unity and peaceful engagement as Ugandans support Otunnu’s bid to lead the United Nations.
