‘I Have Experience,’ Otunnu Reveals Gaza Plan, Calls for Security Council Reform & Human Rights

NEW YORK, August 19, 2026 — Uganda’s candidate for United Nations Secretary-General, Ambassador Olara Otunnu, has outlined his vision for tackling some of the world’s most pressing conflicts, pledging to prioritise Gaza, Ukraine and conflicts across Africa if given the opportunity to lead the United Nations.

Otunnu made the remarks Wednesday during his interactive dialogue with members of the UN General Assembly, as Uganda steps up its campaign to have him succeed António Guterres as Secretary-General.

Addressing member states, Otunnu said the UN must act decisively on ongoing conflicts while returning to the fundamental principles of human rights enshrined in the UN Charter.

“We must do everything within our power to act on the conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and Africa,” Otunnu said.

He identified the Gaza conflict as one of the situations he would address immediately, stressing that a sustainable solution would require confronting the underlying causes of the crisis.

Ambassador Olara Otunnu unveiling his vision

“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,” he said.

Calls for Security Council reform

Otunnu also called for reform of the UN Security Council, arguing that the current structure reflects a historic imbalance that needs to be addressed.

“There is a historic imbalance that needs to be corrected,” he said while responding to questions on reforming the Council.

The issue of Security Council reform has remained one of the major debates within the United Nations, particularly over representation and the structure of permanent and non-permanent membership.

Otunnu said his experience across the UN system would enable him to navigate complex political situations and build consensus among member states.

“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,” he said.

‘Reconnect people to the UN’

Otunnu further argued that the next Secretary-General must work to restore a stronger connection between the United Nations and people around the world.

“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 warned against a UN leadership that becomes detached from the realities facing ordinary people.

“The Secretary-General should not be an ivory tower disconnected from the world,” Otunnu said.

According to Otunnu, his previous experience dealing with complex international challenges has prepared him to lead the organisation through periods of heightened geopolitical tension.

“I have experience on how to navigate pressing situations, to find solutions building on consensus,” he said.

Uganda’s bid enters critical phase

Otunnu’s appearance before the General Assembly marks a major milestone in Uganda’s campaign for the UN’s top diplomatic position.

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

The interactive dialogue is part of a selection process designed to allow UN member states to engage directly with candidates and assess their qualifications, priorities and vision for the organisation.

Otunnu’s appearance also comes after he participated in the Security Council’s first informal straw poll on July 30. The poll generated debate because Otunnu was included despite having not yet participated in the General Assembly and Security Council interactive dialogues.

His campaign is being led by former Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, while Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Adonia Ayebare has been actively promoting Uganda’s candidacy.

Otunnu is expected to engage members of the UN Security Council on Thursday, August 20, as the campaign moves into another crucial stage.

The eventual Secretary-General will be appointed by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council, in accordance with Article 97 of the UN Charter.

For Uganda, Otunnu’s message at the General Assembly was clear: the next UN Secretary-General must be capable of building consensus, confronting conflicts, advancing reform and reconnecting the organisation with the people it serves.