National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has thrown his support behind former UN diplomat Olara Otunnu’s campaign to become the next United Nations secretary-general.
Bobi Wine said Otunnu’s nomination represents an important moment for Uganda, describing him as a distinguished diplomat with decades of experience in international affairs, human rights and peacebuilding.
In a statement shared on social media, Kyagulanyi praised Otunnu for his work in defending vulnerable communities, especially children affected by armed conflicts around the world.
He described the former UN under-secretary-general as a leader with integrity, vision and a strong commitment to justice and equality.
“As a Ugandan, it fills me with pride to see an illustrious son of our nation carry a lifetime of global service, a fierce commitment to the vulnerable, and a deep passion for justice to the world stage,” Kyagulanyi stated.
The NUP leader also supported Otunnu’s call for reforms within global institutions, saying international bodies should promote fairness, accountability and shared prosperity rather than being controlled by powerful nations.
However, Bobi Wine also raised questions about the history surrounding Otunnu’s previous attempt to become UN secretary-general nearly three decades ago.
Otunnu first contested for the same position in 1996 but did not receive Uganda’s endorsement at the time.
According to Kyagulanyi, the failure to support Otunnu’s earlier bid was a historical injustice that should not be forgotten.
“We cannot forget the historical injustice when the Museveni regime vindictively denied him an endorsement for this very position years ago,” Bobi Wine said.
The comments come after President Yoweri Museveni’s government endorsed Otunnu’s current bid for the top UN job, a move that has attracted political debate.
The government nominated Otunnu, who is now 75 years old, as Uganda’s candidate for the position in July 2026.
Despite the new endorsement, Otunnu has previously acknowledged that his political differences with President Museveni remain unresolved.
Bobi Wine said Ugandans should focus on Otunnu’s achievements and international record rather than political disagreements.
He expressed confidence that if Otunnu succeeds in securing the UN secretary-general position, he would continue advocating for justice, peace and human rights.
Otunnu previously served as the UN under-secretary-general and special representative for children and armed conflict, where he gained international recognition for his work.
His current campaign places him among several candidates competing to replace António Guterres, whose second term as UN secretary-general ends on December 31, 2026.
The support from Bobi Wine adds political significance to Otunnu’s campaign, especially because of the history between Otunnu and the Museveni government.
The issue has renewed discussions about Uganda’s political past and the different views surrounding Otunnu’s earlier attempt to lead the world body.
Supporters of Otunnu argue that his diplomatic experience and global reputation make him a strong candidate for the position.
As the UN succession process continues, attention will remain on how countries and international stakeholders respond to the different candidates.
For Bobi Wine, Otunnu’s nomination is not only about international leadership but also an opportunity to recognise a Ugandan who has spent decades serving on the global stage.
