Uganda has called for comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council to give Africa permanent and non-permanent representation, and has formally presented Ambassador Olara Otunnu as its candidate for the next UN Secretary-General.
Addressing the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 23rd, 2026, the Vice President, Maj (Rtd) Jessica Rose Epel Alupo delivered the statement on behalf of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who was unable to attend in person.
Maj Alupo said the world was facing uncertain times and must recommit to the UN Charter, multilateralism and the peaceful settlement of disputes. She added that Uganda would work with other members on systemic reforms to ensure that the Organisation remains agile.
“We call for a comprehensive reform to render the Council more equitable, transparent, democratic, and representative,” she said, citing the common African position outlined in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.
She welcomed efforts to streamline the UN system but warned that the UN80 initiative must not dilute agreed mandates or delay implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals remained elusive, with only 36 percent of targets on track.
The Vice President called for reform of the international financial architecture so that developing countries have a stronger voice and can spend less on debt servicing and more on infrastructure and social services.
Uganda supported negotiations on a UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation to curb illicit financial flows and profit shifting.
At home, she said the Fourth National Development Plan aimed to achieve double-digit growth through agro-industrialisation, tourism, minerals and innovation, with a target of a $500 billion economy by 2040.
Uganda would continue contributing to stability in the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region while expanding health services and pursuing the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.
As chair of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Uganda will host a NAM ministerial meeting in Kampala from December 2nd to 4th, 2026.
Maj Alupo said Otunnu’s record as the first Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict made him exceptionally qualified to lead the Secretariat.
