Peace Corps Uganda Swears In Two-Year Peace Corps Volunteers

In Uganda, Peace Corps Volunteers (PCV) serve with their Ugandan counterparts in three sectors including: Education, Health and Agribusiness and Economic Development. Volunteers live in local communities across the country, learn Ugandan languages, and share American culture during their two-year assignments. 1,859 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in Uganda since 1963.

The swearing in ceremony coincided with celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the country's independence. With dignitaries, local partners, Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, and other special guests in attendance, the ceremony included both the swearing in of PCVs as well as a celebration of decades of partnership. A video highlighting 60 years of partnership between the United States and Uganda was shown.

Ambassador Brown noted, “Diplomatic relations with Uganda were established on October 9, 1962, with the raising of the American Consulate General at Kampala to Embassy. The idea that a newly independent Uganda so swiftly invited the U.S. Peace Corps into the country after recently attaining self-governance is symbolic of a shared value of peace and friendship which has remained the foundation of our bilateral relationship. This occasion is yet another demonstration of the mutual commitment of our people to this decade’s long journey towards peace and prosperity.”

The history of Peace Corp in Uganda includes countless stories of people-to-people connections, shared experiences, collective work to achieve goals, the start of brilliant careers in international development and diplomacy, and enduring friendships. When the Peace Corps evacuated almost 7,000 PCVs worldwide, 136 from Uganda alone in March 2020, we could not have anticipated how long it would take to return. The reentry 26 months later only serves to underscore the spirit of resilience and a commitment to Uganda’s development.

Peace Corps Uganda Country Director, Dr. Lily Asrat spoke directly to the PCVs and told them: “In the past eleven weeks, I have gotten to know each one of you. You are unique and you have something of value to contribute. I urge you to embrace this experience, make the most of it, and leave something behind. This experience is not an easy one. You have not chosen an easy path, but you have chosen one that can open your minds in ways you could not have imagined. When I first welcomed you, I told you about the highs and lows of the Peace Corps experience. I know you have already experienced some of this already. When it gets hard, dig deep, rely on your support systems, and find your way to other side. The reward is so worthwhile.”

Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, more than 1,859 Americans have served in Uganda. For more information, visit our Uganda (peacecorps.gov), Facebook and Twitter Accounts.