Kampala, Uganda | URN | Former Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo Chigamoi has called on Ugandans to support former United Nations Under-Secretary-General Olara Otunnu’s bid to become the next UN Secretary-General, urging them to disregard criticism directed at his candidacy.
Owiny-Dollo described the negative comments surrounding Otunnu’s candidature as publicity that should not distract Ugandans from supporting a fellow Ugandan seeking the top leadership position at the United Nations. He alleged that Otunnu’s endorsement by Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has brought together Ugandans across political, religious and ethnic divides.
Owiny-Dollo made the remarks on Friday during the homecoming celebration of retired Lieutenant General Charles Otema Awany in Gulu City, following the former UPDF commander’s 47 years of military service. His comments come amid online criticism of Otunnu’s nomination, especially from a section of Ugandans in the diaspora, who have raised concerns over Otunnu’s silence over human rights abuses in the country before his endorsement.
Otunnu served as the Under-Secretary-General and Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, United Nations, from 1998-2005 and has been President Museveni’s critic for decades. He contested against Museveni in the 2011 presidential election on the opposition Uganda People’s Congress Party (UPC), a party he led between 2010 and 2015. Speaking at the celebration, Owiny-Dollo described Uganda’s nomination of Otunnu as an opportunity that should unite the country rather than divide it.
Owiny-Dollo said Otunnu’s candidature has generated an unprecedented level of unity among Ugandans, arguing that said support for Otunnu has cut across tribal, religious and political affiliations. “The Katikiro of Buganda, speaking for the kingdom of Buganda, said Olara Otunnu is a worthy choice. It’s the best choice. It’s one of the right things the President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni-Kaguta, has done. Across political parties, Uganda People’s Congress, Democratic Party, and NUP have all issued statements that when it comes to Olara Otunnu, it’s the best choice,” said Justice Owiny-Dollo.
Owiny-Dollo appealed to Otunnu’s supporters not to engage with the critics and cautioned them against responding to social media attacks. “My appeal to Ugandans is: ignore those people. Let us move as one. Let us move as Ugandans, express our support and pray for our elder brother. Do not respond to these people who are saying all sorts of things against Olara Otunnu as a person or against the candidature of Ambassador Olara Otunnu. Please ignore them,” said Justice Owiny-Dollo.
Owiny-Dollo also described Museveni’s decision to nominate Otunnu as an act of statesmanship, saying it could provide an opportunity for greater national unity. “There is a wind, a wind of change blowing in this country; if we seize the time, we will have such a beautiful country to call our own because what has happened was, to me, the highest level of statesmanship exhibited by President Yoweri Museveni.” said Justice Owiny-Dollo.
Acholi Paramount Chief Rwot David Onen Acana II welcomed Otunnu’s nomination, describing it as a gesture of forgiveness and reconciliation by President Museveni. Acana said Museveni’s decision to endorse Otunnu demonstrated a willingness to reconcile with a former political opponent and urged Ugandans to support the candidature.
“I want to thank the President for showing the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation for endorsing the name of Olara Otunnu to go and compete for the UN Secretary-General position,” Acana said. Otunnu is among eight candidates seeking to become the next UN Secretary-General and joined the race in July following his endorsement by the Ugandan government.
The other candidates are Rafael Grossi of Argentina, Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, Michelle Bachelet of Chile, Macky Sall of Senegal, Maria Fernanda Espinosa of Antigua and Barbuda, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana and Ivonne Baki of Ecuador.
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