U.S. Ambassador to Uganda William W. Popp addressed alumni and participants of U.S. government exchange programs at the Kampala School for the Physically Handicapped on Nelson Mandela Day, highlighting the importance of service, justice, and hope.
Ambassador Popp reflected on the United States' role in launching the Mandela Washington Fellowship in 2014, a leadership training program for young African leaders. He noted that the fellowship was inspired by both Nelson Mandela and George Washington, aiming to equip future leaders with skills demonstrated by these historical figures.
“The leadership training done through the Fellowship at U.S. universities is designed to equip leaders of the future with the skills that served both Nelson Mandela and George Washington, as they forged new beginnings for their nations. And today we are proud to see so many alumni of this program give back to their communities in the spirit of these two leaders,” said Popp.
He explained that each year about 28 Ugandan leaders participate among roughly 650 fellows from across Africa, attending U.S. universities as part of this initiative. The impact extends beyond their time in America, as alumni return home and contribute locally.
“This is exactly what the Mandela Washington Fellowship program is about, for young African leaders, to learn as much as they can about leadership, forge partnerships and collaborations while in the United States, and come back to their home countries and make them better,” he stated.
Popp commended both the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Network of Uganda and the U.S. Exchange Alumni network (USEA) for fulfilling their commitment to community service: “In this spirit, I would like to commend the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Network of Uganda as well as the U.S. Exchange Alumni network of Uganda (USEA) on living up to the promise of servant leaders giving back to your community. You have put the vision of this program into practice here today. Congratulations Don Patrick and your colleagues!”
At the event’s venue—the Kampala School for the Physically Handicapped—Popp spoke about tangible hope found in education: “Today, at this great institution...we are reminded that hope is not abstract. It is alive. It is tangible.”
He highlighted graduate Victo Nalule’s achievements as an example: “I have seen the results of the work that this school does in the efforts of your graduates, including Victo Nalule who is not just an alumna of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, but a grantee of the Embassy as she works to advance accessibility across Uganda.”
The ambassador also recognized Pepsi’s involvement: “We are proud to stand here with so many committed partners in support of this school and...accessibility in education. In particular, I want to recognize Pepsi for representing...U.S. companies and brands supporting...communities they work in.”
He praised all exchange alumni organizations present: “As former participants in U.S. government-funded exchange activities, you make us proud of your continued contributions to a safer, more secure and more prosperous future.”
Popp encouraged stakeholders to collaborate with exchange program alumni: “For all stakeholders present...they are our partners and they have proven that they are stand out leaders in their different fields.”
He concluded by emphasizing collective action: “This celebration is a testament to what we can achieve when public, private, and civic sectors unite behind a common goal: the empowerment of every child—regardless of disability.”
Quoting Nelson Mandela’s belief in changing perceptions before changing society itself, Popp called on attendees to advocate for opportunity over limitation.
“As we move forward—one future at a time—may this day inspire each of us to serve, to advocate, and above all, to believe in the promise of every child,” he said.