Journalist Mordecai Muriisa has questioned Olara Otunnu’s bid to become United Nations Secretary-General, arguing that the former Ugandan diplomat’s association with President Yoweri Museveni raises important questions about political consistency and accountability.
Muriisa said he opposed Otunnu’s ambitions because he was concerned that Museveni’s support for the former UN Under-Secretary-General could influence how Otunnu approaches allegations of human rights abuses by the Ugandan government if he assumes the UN’s top position.
His criticism centres on what he describes as a significant shift in Otunnu’s relationship with Museveni. Muriisa noted that Otunnu previously made strong accusations against Museveni’s government, including allegations of genocide and war crimes.
He questioned why Otunnu is now working with a leader he once criticised so forcefully, while also asking whether Museveni’s backing could be connected to Otunnu’s long-standing ambition to lead the United Nations.
“Why is Otunnu now working with a man he previously accused of genocide and war crimes?” Muriisa asked, arguing that the relationship should be subjected to public scrutiny rather than treated as politically insignificant.
Muriisa also drew comparisons with Norbert Mao, another former opposition figure who later joined Museveni’s government and currently serves as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
He questioned the meaning of the ministry’s mandate in a country where critics have repeatedly raised concerns over delayed justice, constitutional governance and alleged violations of fundamental rights.
However, Muriisa acknowledged the historical contributions made by both Otunnu and Mao, rejecting arguments that criticism of their current political positions amounts to disrespecting their past roles.
He argued that political figures should not receive permanent immunity from scrutiny because of their previous contributions to a political struggle.
According to Muriisa, it is possible to recognise an individual’s historical achievements while questioning decisions they make later in their careers.
The journalist said Uganda’s political debate should move beyond what he described as hero-worship and focus more closely on principles, accountability and consistency.
He argued that when political figures move from opposition to cooperation with a government they once criticised, the public has a legitimate interest in understanding what changed.
Muriisa acknowledged that his position could be challenged and invited those who disagree with him to identify weaknesses in his argument.
His broader question was whether historical contributions should continue to command political loyalty when a leader’s present actions appear inconsistent with the principles they previously championed.