Uganda Demands Comprehensive UN Reform, Nominates Candidate for Secretary-General at UN General Assembly
NEW YORK, 23 September 2026 — Uganda’s Vice President Jessica Rose Epel Alupo called for sweeping reforms to the United Nations and international financial institutions during her address to the 81st session of the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, while also putting forward a candidate to become the next UN Secretary-General.
Security Council Reform and UN80 Initiative
Alupo said the UN must remain agile and adapt to changing global realities, emphasizing the need for comprehensive Security Council reform that includes African representation in both permanent and non-permanent member categories. She commended efforts to streamline the UN system through the UN80 initiative.
“However, these reform processes must not dilute agreed UN mandates, commitments, or programmes, nor should they impede the implementation of the 2030 Agenda,” she said.
Call for Financial Institution Reform
The Vice President said international financial institutions must be reformed urgently to give developing nations a stronger voice in decision-making. She added that “an inclusive international tax system” is needed to curb illicit financial flows and address profit-shifting by multinational corporations.
Uganda’s Economic Vision
Outlining Uganda’s development goals, Alupo stated: “Our goal is to drive double-digit growth over the five-year period and ultimately grow our economy tenfold to a GDP of $500 billion by 2040, creating jobs and enhancing the quality of life for all Ugandans.”
She also underscored Uganda’s contributions to regional stability, notably in the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region.
Health Priorities
“We are actively addressing the dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases,” Alupo said, noting that Uganda is on track to eliminate AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
She urged development partners and multilateral institutions to help bridge financing gaps, enhance pandemic preparedness and ensure equitable access to diagnostic tools, medicines and vaccines.
Non-Aligned Movement Leadership
Uganda, as the current Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement, remains dedicated to advancing the International Covenant on the Right to Development, she noted.
Secretary-General Nomination
Alupo announced that Uganda has put forward Olara Otunnu, the first Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, as a candidate to become the UN’s next Secretary-General.
“His extensive experience, statesmanship and proven capacity for consensus-building make him exceptionally qualified to lead the Secretariat at this critical time,” she stated.
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