Experts say Otunnu has credentials to mount strong UN secretary-general bid
Nampewo said Otunnu's candidature could have benefited from a gender dimension, pointing out that the UN has been led by men since its establishment in 1945.
Dr Zahara Nampewo, Dean of the School of Law at Makerere University. (Courtesy)
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Experts have described Ambassador Olara Otunnu as a credible candidate for the position of United Nations secretary-general, citing his extensive diplomatic experience, previous senior roles at the UN and involvement in peacebuilding.
However, they warned that his late entry into the race could make the contest an uphill task, requiring Uganda to mount an aggressive diplomatic campaign to rally support from UN member states.
Vincent Waiswa Bagiire, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the Government of Uganda had nominated and submitted the candidature of Otunnu, a distinguished Ugandan statesman and international civil servant, for the position.
“Government of Uganda is confident that Ambassador Otunnu's unique breadth of experience, spanning the UN Secretariat, the Security Council, national government, academia and grassroots peacebuilding, makes him exceptionally well suited to lead the United Nations at this critical juncture in global affairs,” Bagiire said.
The UN has acknowledged receipt of the documents submitted by Uganda in support of Otunnu's candidature, according to officials. This brings the number of candidates in the race to seven.
Dr Zahara Nampewo, the Dean of the School of Law at Makerere University, said Otunnu's experience in international diplomacy and his previous role as the UN Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict could strengthen his candidature.
Nampewo described Otunnu as a refined diplomat with extensive international exposure and the ability to appeal to different audiences. She said his experience as a former presidential candidate, coupled with Government backing, could work in his favour.
“He is very refined, has international exposure and can appeal to different audiences. Otunnu has been a presidential candidate and has the backing of the Government. The challenge he faces is that he has entered the race a bit late,” Nampewo told New Vision on phone on July 26, 2026.
“Politics is about the interests of the state. If something is in their interest, they put out the resources to get it,” Nampewo said. She argued that Otunnu could secure the backing of some permanent members of the UN Security Council if Uganda develops an effective diplomatic campaign.
Nampewo said Otunnu's candidature could have benefited from a gender dimension, pointing out that the UN has been led by men since its establishment in 1945.
She said the organisation could be seeking a new direction, with Otunnu offering a fresh perspective based on his experience in international diplomacy and peacebuilding.
Prof. Julius Kiiza, a lecturer in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at Makerere University. (Courtesy)
Prof. Julius Kiiza, a lecturer in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at Makerere University, said Otunnu's previous work at the UN gives him the technical experience required for the top job.
“In terms of technical competence, Otunnu has it,” Kiiza said.
However, Kiiza said the contest would be highly competitive and that the backing of a candidate's home country is crucial in such a race.
“It is a game of competition which is lubricated by the support of the home country. Because of previous politics, he may not have had support because of political differences,” he said.
“He ticks all the boxes. He ticked them way back in the race of 1997. He has been a representative of the UN, was a UN under-secretary-general, participated in many peace negotiations locally and internationally, and is well travelled and well exposed,” Kazibwe said.
He, however, described Otunnu's late entry into the race as an uphill task.
“He is joining the race a little late. It looks like an afterthought, and that is not how things are done in the UN system,” Kazibwe said.
Kazibwe said the race includes several credible candidates, some of whom have served as presidents or prime ministers, giving them established political networks and international connections.
He cited former Senegalese president Macky Sall as one of the contenders, saying his early entry into the race could give him an advantage in lobbying for support. Kazibwe said Sall could benefit from France's influence, given the country's permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
He said other candidates are current or former UN officials who remain closely connected to influential figures within the organisation.
“Most of the other candidates are people working with the UN or who left it a short while ago. They are much more connected to people with influence than Otunnu, who left the UN 15 years ago,” he said.
Kazibwe stressed that Uganda's support would be critical to Otunnu's chances, arguing that the country needs a well-coordinated diplomatic strategy and sustained lobbying.
“In races of this nature, the support of the home country is key. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not have a substantive head, and many things are stacked against him. This requires intense lobbying. Uganda needs a serious strategy if Otunnu is to win,” he said.