Your Excellency, the U.S. Ambassador, the team of the U.S. Embassy in Kampala, outgoing and incoming council members, presidents of exchange programs, regional cluster leaders, fellow alumni, friends, and distinguished guests gathered for a significant event marking both an end and a new beginning.
The evening was more than a handover ceremony; it was a farewell to a meaningful season and an introduction to what lies ahead. A speaker at the event shared personal reflections on the impact of the alumni community. "I do not stand before you today as a perfect man," he said. "I stand before you as a man made better by the courage, humility, and brilliance of this alumni community."
The speaker recounted moments when alumni expressed gratitude for support received through recommendations and acceptance into programs facilitated by USEA members. One alum noted, “Because of the USEA, I found purpose again.”
Acknowledgments were given to various contributors including the U.S. Mission in Uganda for their support and guidance: "To the Public Diplomacy Section led by Ellen Masi — you didn’t just support programs, you nurtured dreams."
Recognition was extended to outgoing council members who were described as pathfinders who showed resilience in building initiatives such as Regional Clusters and democratic elections within their network.
Challenges faced during their tenure included hesitancy from some exchange programs to join and unforeseen difficulties with elections. However, these were seen as opportunities for growth: "Every challenge was not a sign to stop. It was a sign to grow."
To the incoming council members: they were encouraged to focus on unity among U.S. Exchange Programs in Uganda and create value that makes alumni proud.
In closing remarks aimed at all attendees: “Let us not just pass on office keys. Let us pass on hope.”