National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has expressed strong support for former United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Ugandan diplomat Ambassador Olara Otunnu, describing him as a global leader whose record on human rights, peace and the protection of vulnerable people deserves international recognition.
In a statement posted on social media on Thursday, Kyagulanyi said he was proud to see a Ugandan with Otunnu’s record of international service and commitment to justice being considered for a prominent position on the global stage.
“For years, many of us have followed with great respect, Ambassador Olara Otunnu’s incredible track record at the United Nations,” Kyagulanyi said.
He particularly praised Otunnu’s work on human rights and the protection of children affected by armed conflict, saying such leadership is urgently needed at a time when the international community faces numerous conflicts and humanitarian crises.
Kyagulanyi argued that genuine leadership should be judged by integrity, vision and commitment to peace and justice rather than political considerations.
The NUP leader, however, used the statement to revisit what he described as a historical injustice involving the government of President Yoweri Museveni and Otunnu.
According to Kyagulanyi, the Museveni government previously declined to endorse Otunnu for the same position, allegedly because of the diplomat’s criticism of the government and his refusal to remain silent about alleged human rights abuses in Uganda.
“We can not forget the historical injustice when the Museveni regime vindictively denied him an endorsement for this very position years ago,” Kyagulanyi said.
He claimed that Otunnu was blocked because he spoke out against alleged atrocities committed against Ugandans, adding that his appointment at the time could potentially have influenced the international system towards greater attention to justice and peace.
Kyagulanyi also highlighted what he described as Otunnu’s vision for reforming the multilateral system, particularly the United Nations and other international institutions.
He said Otunnu advocates for international institutions that go beyond being arenas for competition among powerful states and instead become mechanisms for promoting equity, accountability and shared prosperity among nations.
The statement comes amid public discussion over Uganda’s current position regarding Otunnu’s candidacy and questions from some citizens about the government’s decision to support him.
Kyagulanyi acknowledged the scepticism, saying Ugandans were justified in questioning the government’s change of position given what he described as ongoing political and human rights concerns in the country.
“I hear some citizens who are raising tough questions about why the regime has suddenly changed its mind to endorse him now,” he said.
Despite those concerns, Kyagulanyi urged Ugandans to place their confidence in Otunnu’s longstanding record of public service and integrity.
He described the former UN official as a person of humility who is receptive to criticism and said he believed Otunnu would approach the concerns raised by Ugandans with understanding.
Kyagulanyi also appealed to Otunnu to remain attentive to Uganda’s domestic challenges should he attain the international position he is seeking.
“We can all bank on his long-term, proven integrity and hope that when he rises to become the world’s top diplomat, he will never turn a blind eye to the ongoing struggle for freedom in his own motherland,” he said.
The NUP leader noted that Otunnu himself has previously acknowledged that Uganda has “dark spots” requiring attention and reform.
Kyagulanyi concluded by offering Otunnu his “full solidarity and prayers” as the Ugandan diplomat pursues what he described as an opportunity to carry the aspirations of Ugandans and other people seeking a fairer international order onto the global stage.
Otunnu, a veteran Ugandan diplomat and former UN official, has spent decades involved in international diplomacy, human rights advocacy and peace-related initiatives. His record has previously placed him at the centre of international debates on the protection of civilians and children affected by armed conflict.
Kyagulanyi’s statement therefore combines an endorsement of Otunnu’s international credentials with a reminder of the political tensions that have characterised the diplomat’s relationship with the Ugandan government in the past.
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