Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine has called on Ugandans to rally behind Olara Otunnu in the race to become the next United Nations Secretary-General, describing the moment as a "historic opportunity," according to the Daily Monitor.
Wine's appeal, reported by the Ugandan outlet on Thursday, positions Otunnu as a candidate worthy of national backing. The endorsement adds a prominent political voice to Otunnu's campaign as the selection process for the UN's top job gains momentum.
Otunnu, a former UN under-secretary-general, is one of several candidates vying for the position. Recent polling cited by PassBlue indicates that Otunnu and Rodrigues Birkett have shown the largest gains in support among the contenders. The field has grown to at least eight declared candidates, according to the SDG Knowledge Hub.
The race has drawn international attention, with major powers weighing in. The Washington Post reports that the Trump administration has become actively involved in the contest. Among the other candidates is Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne Baki, who has ties to former President Donald Trump, as detailed in a profile by Anadolu Ajansı.
The UN Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council, making the campaign a complex diplomatic exercise. With multiple candidates and significant geopolitical interests at play, the outcome remains uncertain.
As the selection process unfolds, observers will be watching whether Wine's endorsement can galvanize regional support for Otunnu and shift the dynamics of the race.
