Uganda’s UN Campaign Delayed as Otunnu Team Seeks US Waiver Over Ebola Restrictions

What the report says

Uganda’s effort to promote veteran diplomat Olara Otunnu for United Nations Secretary-General has been slowed by U.S. travel restrictions tied to Ebola concerns, according to Nile Post. The report says Uganda’s lobbying team has been unable to travel to New York while it waits for a waiver from Washington that would allow normal entry into the United States. Otunnu discussed the delay at the Uganda Media Centre on Tuesday and said the team is in contact with U.S. officials.

The article says the U.S. suspended routine visa processing in May for applicants from Uganda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo because of an Ebola outbreak in the region. Otunnu said he expected a positive response soon and thanked the U.S. for its cooperation. Uganda nominated him in July to succeed António Guterres, whose second and final term ends on December 31, 2026, and formally notified the United Nations through its Permanent Mission.

Nile Post reports that Otunnu is the seventh candidate to enter the race, alongside nominees from Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guyana and Senegal. The campaign is being led by former Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda and is framed by Otunnu as a national effort backed by President Yoweri Museveni. He also noted the difficult selection process, which requires broad support in the Security Council and no veto from any permanent member. If elected, Otunnu would be Uganda’s first UN Secretary-General and one of the few Africans to hold the post.