President Yoweri Museveni has called for comprehensive reforms of the United Nations Security Council, arguing that the body must become more equitable, transparent, democratic and representative.
Museveni made the call in his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday. The statement was delivered on his behalf by Vice President Jessica Alupo, who is leading Uganda’s delegation after the President said he was unable to attend in person.
Museveni said Uganda supports Africa’s demand for representation in both the permanent and non-permanent categories of the Security Council, in line with the Common African Position contained in the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration.
“We demand Africa’s rightful representation—in both the Permanent and Non-Permanent categories—to correct historical imbalances,” Museveni said.
He also warned that the world is living through uncertain times marked by the persistent threat of global conflict, urging countries to return to the founding principles of the UN Charter and prioritise diplomacy in resolving disputes.
“The peaceful resolution of conflicts through diplomacy is indispensable for sustainable peace, security, and economic growth,” he said.
Museveni argued that many conflicts are rooted in unresolved local and regional grievances and therefore require politically led and locally owned solutions rather than purely military responses.
Calls for financial reforms
The President also turned his attention to the international financial system, saying developing countries are struggling to finance infrastructure and social services because a disproportionate share of their revenues is being used to service debt.
He called for urgent reforms of international financial institutions to give developing countries a stronger voice in decision-making.
Museveni further backed the development of an inclusive international tax system to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation, tackle illicit financial flows and address profit shifting by multinational corporations.
He said Uganda supports negotiations on the proposed UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation.
Museveni also highlighted Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan, covering 2025/26 to 2029/30, saying the country is targeting double-digit economic growth and an economy worth $500 billion by 2040.
Uganda backs Otunnu for UN top job
Museveni used the UN address to reaffirm Uganda’s candidature of former Foreign Minister and diplomat Ambassador Olara Otunnu for the position of UN Secretary-General.
He described Otunnu as a diplomat with more than four decades of experience in the UN system, international diplomacy and public administration.
Museveni particularly cited Otunnu’s service as the UN’s first Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict from 1998 to 2005, saying he helped place the protection of children affected by war on the Security Council agenda.
Uganda formally nominated Otunnu for the position earlier this year, with his candidature now part of the ongoing selection process for the next UN Secretary-General.
Museveni also said Uganda, as chair of the Non-Aligned Movement, would host the NAM Coordinating Bureau Ministerial Meeting in Kampala from December 2 to 4, 2026.
The 81st UN General Assembly is being held under the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.”