Good evening and thank you for joining us tonight for this very important milestone.
It is great to see so many new faces and great to have our alumni leaders from upcountry who have traveled to join us. Welcome!
It is a pleasure to host this important occasion—the handover ceremony of the U.S. Exchange Alumni Council. This moment marks not only the closing of a remarkable first chapter, but also the beginning of a new one in the story of U.S. exchange alumni leadership in Uganda.
First, allow me to express our deep appreciation to the inaugural Alumni Council, whose term began in 2023. Faizo, Gorretti and the team that you led stepped into uncharted territory, laying the foundation for what this council could be defining its purpose, shaping its structure, and building a sense of unity across a vibrant and diverse alumni community. That takes vision, courage, and a spirit of service. And you delivered.
You were some of the first people I met in Uganda two years ago, and I am grateful that Ellen and her team insisted I meet with the alumni leaders early on. Through your efforts, you have strengthened the bonds among alumni of our programs—from the Mandela Washington Fellowship to Fulbright, YALI RLC, IVLP, Humphrey, AWE, and others—and demonstrated the power of collective action.
Whether it was through mentoring younger alumni, organizing service projects, alumni outreaches or collaborating with local institutions, your leadership has left a lasting impact.
I want to acknowledge the hard work that went into organizing elections for the various alumni leaders. Thank you to the organizers, and especially to all the alumni that put their foot forward to run. I know some of these elections were quite intense – and that is a good thing. It is great to have passionate debates about leadership and the direction of your organization. It is also important to support the transition of leadership to foster new ideas and give others a chance to shine.
To the newly elected Council, Blessing and your team congratulations. You are taking the baton at a time of opportunity. Uganda’s alumni community is rich in talent energy commitment.
Your role now is to build on momentum created expand reach programs deepen impact communities country build strong self-sustaining community.
As begin service know committed partner Mission believe strongly power networks drive change promote mutual understanding serve engines innovation leadership.
While thrilled launch era Council recognize end era Public Diplomacy Section.
Ellen Masi exceptional leader PD team tireless champion exchange programs reminds regularly investment participants amplified support community becomes champions relationship Thank vision guidance leadership Team
In closing thank once again outgoing trailblazing stepping lead
We look forward working together grow dynamic inclusive sustainable network continues make difference beyond Congratulations all!