More Volunteers join the fight against HIV/AIDS in Uganda

Kampala, Uganda - Peace Corps Country Director McGrath Jean Thomas swore in 23 new Peace Corps Volunteers yesterday in Kampala, Uganda. The 23 Volunteers are the third class in Uganda to support the work of President Bush's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

The Uganda post now has 147 Peace Corps Volunteers, the largest number in country since Peace Corps Uganda reopened its program in 2000. Since 1961, over 865 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in Uganda. The new Volunteers will be posted with organizations supporting HIV/AIDS prevention and care to aid orphans and people living with HIV/AIDS.

Mr. John Kyewalabye, Senior Clinical Officer in Mubende District and the Ugandan government representative, and Ms. Aida Lubwama, a District Education Officer, welcomed the new Volunteers and invited them to join Uganda’s efforts to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS, and spoke highly of Volunteer efforts in the area of HIV/AIDS prevention through activities with youth.

John Hoover, Chargé d'Affaires for the U.S. Embassy, commended the Volunteers for their commitment to service in Uganda, and thanked Ugandans for the warm welcome they have extended to Peace Corps Volunteers.

The new Volunteers arrived in Uganda on Aug. 4, 2008, at which time they began an eight-week, pre-service training program that included cultural training, intensive language instruction, and technical training for their assignments. Following the swearing-in ceremony, the Volunteers traveled to their posts, the places where they will live and work for the next two years.

The Peace Corps is celebrating a 47-year legacy of service at home and abroad. Currently there are 8,000 Volunteers abroad, a 37-year high for Volunteers in the field. Since 1961, more than 190,000 Volunteers have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 139 countries where Volunteers have served, including Uganda. Peace Corps Volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment.

###