QFM
  Stream radio
Menu
QFM
  2. Politics
  3. UN race: Olara Otunnu meets Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow

UN race: Olara Otunnu meets Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow

16 September 2026, 5:08 pm

A profile picture of Uganda’s Olara Otunu who is vying for Un Sec General

By Frank Oyugi

MOSCOW / LIRA — Veteran diplomat Ambassador Olara Otunnu held a crucial closed-door bilateral meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on September 14, 2026, as the race to succeed António Guterres as United Nations Secretary-General gains momentum on the global stage.

​Otunnu was accompanied by former Ugandan Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, who is currently serving as President Yoweri Museveni’s Special Envoy spearheading Uganda’s diplomatic campaign for the top UN job. The delegation arrived in the Russian capital following earlier consultations across key international capitals.

​Securing P5 Support and Veto Guarantees

​The meeting with Minister Lavrov is viewed by international observers as a critical step in Otunnu’s bid, given Russia’s position as a permanent, veto-wielding member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). With Security Council straw polls underway, securing the backing—or preventing a veto—from the Permanent Five (P5) powers remains the definitive test for any candidate aspiring to lead the world body.

​“The United Nations must remain the central coordinating pillar of international law and multilateralism. Our dialogue focused on restoring balance, effectiveness, and geographic equity to the UN System.”

— Diplomatic Statement following Moscow Consultations

​According to official reports from the meeting, Ambassador Otunnu detailed his strategic vision for reforming the Secretariat and enhancing the Security Council’s responsiveness to emerging global conflicts. Central to his platform is addressing historical geopolitical imbalances, particularly ensuring stronger representation and agenda-setting power for the Global South and Africa.

​Russian Position & Global Campaign

​During the session, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov outlined Moscow’s core criteria for the next UN chief, emphasizing the imperative of strictly adhering to the UN Charter and maintaining absolute neutrality within the Secretariat. Both sides reaffirmed their mutual commitment to preserving the central role of the United Nations in international diplomacy.

​The Moscow engagement forms part of an aggressive diplomatic tour targeting all P5 capitals, including Washington, Beijing, London, and Paris. As the Security Council prepares for upcoming decisive votes, the Ugandan delegation aims to build consensus around Otunnu’s decades-long track record in international peacebuilding, human rights advocacy, and multilateral governance.