On August 13, 2015, U.S. Ambassador to Uganda Scott H. DeLisi swore in a new group of 55 Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) who will serve in the areas of health and agriculture. This newest group brings the total number of PCVs currently serving in Uganda to 175. The new health volunteers will educate the public and create access to health care services for HIV/AIDS, malaria, hygiene, and nutrition. The agribusiness volunteers will contribute to the Feed the Future Initiative and focus on farm-to-market value chain development, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and improved child nutrition.
Speaking at the swearing in ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Uganda Scott H. DeLisi noted, “You will be role models. You will inspire. You will help broaden horizons and, for those who emulate you, you will change their understanding of the world. And, in doing so, I hope that as Americans, you will reflect the values that underlie our nation’s engagement in the world. Values that emphasize respect for the rights of all, values that underscore our conviction that societies are stronger and richer when we cherish a diversity of voices and opinions rather than fear them, and values that reflect our core belief that no matter our culture, our faith, our gender, our color, or ethnicity, we all share a common humanity and should be given the chance to live lives of dignity and productivity.”
Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, more than 215,000 Americans have served in 139 host countries. The Peace Corps program began in Uganda 50 years ago in 1964 with the arrival of secondary school teachers.
