Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world. The median age in Uganda is 16.3 (UNICEF). One in four teenage girls in Uganda age 15-19 has had a child or is pregnant (UNFPA). Two Peace Corps Uganda Volunteers are working to transform this youth bulge into a youth dividend! These are their stories.
On October 12, 2023, the U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, William W. Popp, and Dr. Lily Asrat, Peace Corps Uganda Country Director, presided over the swearing-in ceremony of 24 Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs).
On July 30, Peace Corps Uganda welcomed 26 new Trainees who, once sworn in, will become Volunteers, marking the arrival of the second cohort since the pandemic. United by the Peace Corps mission of world peace and friendship, they will serve in communities throughout the country in three sectors: Education, Health, and Agribusiness.
At our core, Peace Corps is a training organization. We train staff, Volunteers, and community members. Our training approach has evolved over the decades, but we are always striving to facilitate learning, in whatever form that may take.
By Abbie Lenz, Kate King Hagen, Liz Sachse, Michael McMorrow, Taylor Pangman, and Cailean Demmon
June 13, 2023
Learning to read, write, and communicate effectively without consistent access to reading materials is like trying to find a destination without a map.
As COVID-19 continues to spread and international travel becomes more and more challenging by the day, we are acting now to safeguard your well-being and prevent a situation where Volunteers are unable to leave their host countries. I have made the difficult decision to temporarily suspend all Peace Corps operations globally and evacuate all of our Volunteers. - Peace Corps Director Jody Olson.
Prior to starting my Peace Corps service in Uganda, a question I would frequently get asked by friends and family back home was, ‘’Why Africa?’’ My usual response was, ‘’Why not?’’
By Cotious Tukashaba, Joseph Mwebe, and Amelia Naturinda
May 9, 2023
Malaria remains Uganda’s leading cause of death, especially among children under five years. In 2020, Uganda had the 3rd highest global burden of malaria cases and deaths (5.4%) and the 5th highest proportion of malaria cases in East and Southern Africa (23.2%).
By Marika Straker, Kiana Campbell, Romaric Fotsing, and Malaika Harris
Feb. 26, 2023
In February, we celebrate Black History Month. Here, we highlight the unique experiences of four Black Peace Corps Volunteers (BPCVs) serving in Uganda. Their stories and perspectives are poignant, powerful, and brave.
Ugandan culture is refreshingly community oriented. Perhaps more than in the US, Ugandan teachers assume a familial role at their schools and in their communities.
