Ugandan statesman is in the race to become the next secretary-general of the United Nations

In KAMPALA, Uganda, a Ugandan statesman named Olara Otunnu is seeking to become the next secretary-general of the United Nations. Otunnu, who is 75 years old, is joining other six contenders in the race to succeed Antonio Guterres, who will step down at the end of the year. The selection process for the secretary-general position is overseen by the 15-nation Security Council, with final approval from the 193-member General Assembly.

Otunnu, a well-respected elder statesman, has extensive experience in the UN and was previously blocked from the position in 1997. He is currently in New York to meet with various delegations and engage in discussions with the UN General Assembly and Security Council. Despite the challenge of having Ugandans barred from entering the US due to Ebola measures, Otunnu is considered a dark horse candidate, with his candidacy potentially being chosen as a fallback option if other top candidates are vetoed.