‘A Masterpiece’: Adonia Praises Otunnu’s UNGA Presentation as MOFA Pledges Full Support Ahead of Security Council Dialogue

NEW YORK, August 20, 2026 — Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, has described Dr Olara Otunnu’s presentation before the United Nations General Assembly as a “masterpiece,” reaffirming the government’s full backing for his campaign to become the next UN Secretary-General.

Ayebare, said he was particularly impressed by the candidate’s performance during Wednesday’s interactive dialogue with UN member states.

“I have listened to candidates of Secretary General over the years I have been at the UN. Ambassador Olara Otunnu’s presentation last night was a masterpiece,” Ayebare said.

He said Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Ministry remains fully committed to facilitating Otunnu’s campaign as he seeks to succeed António Guterres.

“We look forward to another interactive dialogue at the UN Security Council tomorrow,” Ayebare added.

The minister also thanked President Yoweri Museveni for supporting Otunnu’s candidature and pledged continued institutional backing from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“I thank President Museveni for supporting his candidature. I and the entire team at Uganda MFA are committed to facilitating Olara Otunnu’s campaign,” he said.

Otunnu pitches vision at UNGA

Otunnu on Wednesday used his General Assembly dialogue to outline his priorities should he be given the opportunity to lead the United Nations.

Ambassador Olara Otunnu speaks during the UN Dialogue on Wednesday

He called for stronger UN action on conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine and Africa, arguing that the organisation must confront the root causes of conflicts to achieve sustainable solutions.

“Among the conflicts on which I will focus immediately is the Gaza situation. We must begin addressing the root cause of the problem to have a long-term solution,” Otunnu said.

He also called for reform of the UN Security Council, describing its current structure as reflecting a “historic imbalance” that needs to be corrected.

Otunnu further said the next Secretary-General must reconnect the UN with people around the world and promote the principles upon which the organisation was founded.

“The UNSG must do everything to reconnect people of the world to the UN. The UNSG must promote the ideals of the UN,” he said.

He also highlighted his experience in consensus-building and navigating complex situations across the UN system.

“What I offer, if I’m given the opportunity, I have a track record of building consensus. I have experience in working across all platforms of the UN,” Otunnu said.

Security Council engagement

Ayebare’s comments come as Otunnu prepares for another crucial engagement, this time with members of the UN Security Council.

The Security Council plays a decisive role in the selection process because the General Assembly can only appoint the Secretary-General after receiving a recommendation from the Council.

Uganda nominated Otunnu on July 24, 2026, placing him in the race to succeed Guterres when his second term ends at the close of 2026.

The campaign is being led by former Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, while Ayebare and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are spearheading Uganda’s diplomatic efforts.

Otunnu’s Security Council engagement comes after he was included in the Council’s first informal straw poll on July 30, where he reportedly received two “encourage” votes, five “discourage” votes and eight “no opinion” votes.

The next stage will give Otunnu an opportunity to directly engage Council members and strengthen his case for the UN’s top diplomatic position.