KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — Sam Kutesa became known to many Ugandans after he was ousted as a junior investment minister by lawmakers over charges he abused his office. Now foreign minister, he has been implicated in at least two more scandals since 1999, including allegations that he accepted bribes from foreign companies seeking oil contracts in Uganda.

Kutesa, who denies all allegations, is Africa’s unanimous choice to become president of the U.N. General Assembly. Critics, however, say Uganda’s controversial figure does not deserve the largely ceremonial but prestigious post.