General
Mindset Education can Fast Track Uganda’s Development – Dr. Hun Mok Lee
The Secretary General of the International Youth Fellowship (IYF), Dr. Hun Mok Lee has assured the Makerere Community that Mindset Education (ME) holds the key to fast tracking Uganda’s National Development from the present state to the first world. His assurance was based on the pivotal role played by ME in South Korea’s own miraculous growth and transformation from a GDP Per Capita of US$ 79 in 1963 to the current US $ 35,000. He made the remarks at a meeting with members of Top Management on 9th September 2022 in the Council Room, Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility (CTF).
Mind Education, he said, is built upon the three tenets of;
- Development of the ability to think deeply,
- Formation of a strong heart, and
- Cohesion through exchange.
Delving deeper into each tenet, Dr. Lee shared that Korean companies such as Samsung, LG and Hyundai that had previously treasured candidates with high Intelligence Quotient (IQ) were gradually moving over to those with high Emotional Quotient (EQ). Candidates with high EQ, he said, have the ability to think deeply, exercise self-control, consider others better than themselves, stay humble and put the needs of others before their own.
A strong heart, he continued, was the key to living a happy and healthy life. “Through the Mind Education, if you grow the immunity of the heart or if you make your heart become strong, it won’t be that you don’t have difficulties, you will have difficulties but you will overcome them” he counselled, adding that “rather than not having a problem, it is better to have the problem and have the power to defeat it.”
Dr. Lee added that South Korea has also applied ME to the field of sports with amazing results. The application of ME, he said, is the reason why players like Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min jointly claimed the 2021/22 English Premier League Golden Boot prize alongside Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah. Other feats he shared included South Korea’s second place finish in the FIFA U-20 World Cup held 2019 in Poland. Originally perceived as underdogs, the team was not expected to progress past the group stages. And so it was extremely shocking when they went all the way to the finals, eventually losing 3-1 to Ukraine.
He then took this as the perfect opportunity to share one of Michelangelo, the famous Italian painter, sculptor and poet’s quotes.
“The greatest danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.”
― Michelangelo Buonarroti
On the third tenet of cohesion through exchange, Dr. Lee shared the mystery behind the California redwood, a tree that rises to heights of over 110 metres, lives for over 2,000 years and yet has roots less than three metres deep.
“The roots of the redwood stick together” said Dr. Lee emphatically. “And so they hold one another, they share the nutrition together, live 3,000 years and they do not fall over during the hurricane” he further described.
Based on the above tenets, the Secretary General without hesitation described Mind Education as the single most powerful force behind the transformation of South Korea from a poor agricultural country into highly industrialised nation.
“In South Korea, we do not have even one single coffee tree, but how did we become the world’s third largest exporter of coffee?” he asked, pausing for a second before quickly answering “We imported the coffee beans from Africa and begun to think deeply, and made them into a coffee product that we export to Europe, America and the Middle East.”
“We don’t even have one single drop of petroleum,” he continued. “We import crude oil from the Middle East, refine it into many petroleum products and export them – we are ranked number one in the world” explained Dr. Lee, further driving his point on the benefits industrialisation home.
His most profound example of the day was Thomas Alva Edison, famously known for inventing the light bulb. Described as having “an intellectual disability” by his childhood teachers, the turning point for Edison, shared Dr. Lee, was when his mother, upon receiving this report from her son’s school refused to describe him as such, and instead convinced him that he was a genius.
“He was the genius of the geniuses. Which university do you think he graduated from? From Harvard University? Oxford University? No way. With the mindset, he is the one who invented the most in human history… misery and happiness is made from the heart. If you receive Mind Education, you can change.” concluded Dr. Lee.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe in his remarks thanked Dr. Hun Mok Lee for his visit and insightful presentation, noting that South Korea’s first class infrastructure and facilities are proof that investing in Mind Education pays off. He added that Makerere as the top University has the responsibility to prove to the rest of the country that ME indeed works.
“We must begin somewhere and move fast. Dr. Lee’s presentation showed that it was after 30 years of changing the education system that the economy finally took off and so we must appreciate that it takes some time” added Prof. Nawangwe.
The Dean, School of Psychology Assoc. Prof. Grace M. Kibanja thanked the Secretary General for his enlightening presentation and the IYF Uganda office for the support and good working relationship over the years. Giving a brief history of the collaboration, she shared that the two parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 8th February 2016, under the Deanship of Prof. Peter K. Baguma.
The MoU was aimed at facilitating; joint youth development, annual youth camps, workshops, voluntary community activities especially training youth through district leadership and teaching Mind Education. As a result, the National Mind Education Programme was launched at the Freedom Square on 30th July 2017 and subsequently, Rev. Dr. Ock Soo Park, the IYF Founder was hosted by Makerere University in 2019.
“In the same year, we piloted the Mind Education Programme at the School of Psychology with the Bachelor of Industrial and Organisational Psychology intake of 2019/2020… the feedback from these students revealed that indeed, there is a lot that changes in them as individuals when they go through these trainings” testified Assoc. Prof. Kibanja.
The staff have not been left out either. On 6th November 2020 Makerere University hosted a virtual Mind Education Workshop for staff, where the IYF Founder, Rev. Dr. Ock Soo Park delivered the keynote address. His concluding message then was, “leave behind your first level of thought and try to embrace deep thinking. If you go about life thinking deeply, you will live a blessed glorious life”
The proposed Mind Education Programme course has been passed by the School of Psychology Academic Board. A stakeholders workshop is being organised to receive feedback before the final curriculum is submitted for approval. The Mind Education Programme, it is envisaged, will be a crosscutting course tenable at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Agriculture & Environment
Makerere Hosts Inaugural Falling Walls Lab Competition as Innovators Pitch Solutions to National Challenges
Students and researchers from Makerere University and other institutions pitched 12 innovations addressing challenges in healthcare, clean energy, agriculture, waste management and community resilience during the inaugural Falling Walls Lab Kampala, held at the School of Public Health Auditorium, Makerere University.
The competition brought together emerging innovators to present solutions to practical challenges through a three minute pitch, followed by questions from a panel of judges.
Modelled on the Falling Walls format that originated in Berlin, the event required each participant to identify a “wall” a problem or barrier, and demonstrate how their innovation seeks to break it down.
Mudhasi wins with newborn jaundice screening device
Andrew Mudhasi of Makerere University emerged as the overall winner with a score of 90 per cent for a low cost medical device designed to improve newborn jaundice screening across different skin tones.
Mudhasi explained that the device uses optical sensor technology and a skin tone targeting algorithm to provide a rapid reading, with the aim of helping nurses and clinicians identify jaundice more efficiently.
During questions from the jury, Mudhasi said the device had not yet been tested on actual babies but had undergone laboratory testing using simulated skin tones.
He reported an accuracy rate of 94 per cent when the device was compared with laboratory spectrophotometers.
The innovation is intended initially for use in clinics and hospitals, with Mudhasi saying the team is also considering a version that could eventually allow mothers to screen babies at home.
Mudhasi’s innovation has previously received recognition at the African Business Concept Challenge and the iF Design Student Award, according to his presentation.
Rhonda’s innovation tackles diaper waste
Rhoda John of the University of Nairobi emerged in second place with 89.6 per cent for an innovation addressing the problem of used diaper waste.
Under the theme “Breaking the wall of diaper waste and drug soils,” Rhonda explained that her team extracts sodium polyacrylate, the absorbent polymer found in diapers, and replaces the sodium with potassium.
The resulting potassium based superabsorbent material is designed to act as a “water battery” in soil by absorbing and retaining water for plants during dry periods.
John said testing showed a 99 per cent increase in germination and a 23 per cent increase in drought resistance.
The innovation also seeks to reduce the amount of used diapers ending up in landfills and the environmental effects associated with their decomposition.
During the question and answer session, John explained that her team was working with government environmental officials in Nairobi on a pilot collection system to address the challenge of gathering used diapers at scale.
Mahera takes third place with herbal peptic ulcer treatment
Stuart Mahera of Makerere University finished third with 86.2 per cent for a herbal formulation targeting peptic ulcers.
Presenting under the theme “Breaking the wall of Nature and Modern Medicine,” Mahera argued that conventional treatment for peptic ulcers can involve multiple medicines and may be associated with side effects and antimicrobial resistance.
His proposed formulation, MARAC capsules, is intended as a monotherapy, combining properties required for peptic-ulcer treatment in a single capsule.
Mahera said his team had carried out quality control work, including characterisation and dose quantification, and had conducted preclinical trials on laboratory mice.
He also told the jury that an application had been submitted to the National Drug Authority as the team awaits the next stage of the regulatory process.
According to Mahera, the proposed seven day treatment would cost about Shs21,000, compared with the existing 14 day treatment approach.
Innovators present solutions to practical challenges
The remaining presentations covered a wide range of challenges.
Esther Nakungu of Utamu University presented Agri-Track, a digital record keeping solution intended to improve visibility, accountability and management of farm operations and financial information.
Dr. Jimmy Chachiga, a Makerere University participant, presented a solar photovoltaic cooker with a heat storage system designed to provide a cleaner and more reliable cooking option during both sunny and non sunny periods.
His presentation focused on reducing dependence on biomass fuels and addressing the challenges associated with intermittent solar energy.
Abdul Noor Luttamaguzi, a PhD student and senior government fisheries officer, presented a mobile application aimed at helping fish farmers and extension officers report, track and manage disease outbreaks.
Henry Duke Tamale presented a herbal cream targeting antibiotic resistant biofilm infections associated with diabetic foot ulcers.
Marvin Seruwu proposed adapting existing near infrared brain monitoring technology to help detect extra-axial brain bleeds in health facilities where access to CT and MRI equipment is limited.
His proposal seeks to repurpose existing technology towards a diagnostic need that could be particularly important in settings where advanced imaging facilities are not readily available.
Kennedy Kisame presented a poultry alert and diagnosis system combining satellite weather information with computer vision disease detection. The proposed system could be accessed through a smartphone application, SMS or USSD, making it potentially usable by farmers with limited internet access.
Frank Atwiine proposed a solar powered mobile diagnostic van designed to bring ultrasound and other diagnostic services closer to rural communities.
Johnson Makmot, a software and blockchain developer, presented a platform that combines GPS tracking and blockchain-based tokens to incentivise and verify plastic-waste collection in Kampala.
Dr. Nelson Ndugu, from a partner university, presented an artificial intelligence tool designed to translate agricultural research publications into local Ugandan languages and generate voice notes for radio-based extension delivery.
The final presentation came from Dr. Juliet Akola, a Ugandan post doctoral researcher at Mangosuthu University of Technology in South Africa.
Akola presented a community digital resilience initiative focused on mapping risks in Kampala’s informal settlements, including flooding, fire, poor sanitation, waste management and inadequate infrastructure.
Her proposal seeks to combine local community knowledge with geographical information systems and link identified risks to action plans involving municipalities and other stakeholders.
Nawangwe calls for more investment in innovation
Closing the event, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated all the participants and described their presentations as an important beginning for Makerere University, Uganda and the wider region.
Drawing on his experience attending the Falling Walls conference in Berlin, the Vice Chancellor said initiatives of this nature are important because innovation will play a major role in determining the future of countries.
He encouraged participants to make their pitches more precise by clearly identifying the problem they are addressing, explaining their proposed solution and demonstrating what they have already achieved.
Prof. Nawangwe also welcomed the participation of innovators from other universities and countries, noting that the Kampala event had attracted participants beyond Makerere.
He thanked the Africa Office of the Falling Walls Foundation for its role in bringing the initiative to Makerere and encouraged continued support for innovation.
The Vice Chancellor further linked innovation to Uganda’s growing youth population and the need to develop home-grown solutions to address challenges such as youth unemployment.
The inaugural Falling Walls Lab Kampala ultimately provided a platform for innovators to move ideas beyond the classroom and laboratory and demonstrate how research, technology and creativity can be applied to challenges affecting communities.
| Position | Winner | Institution | Score |
| 1st | Andrew Mudhasi | Makerere University | 90% |
| 2nd | Rhoda John | University of Nairobi | 89.6% |
| 3rd | Stuart Mahera | Makerere University | 86.2% |
On Saturday, 5th September 2026, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs urged the Makerere University community to actively engage in local philanthropy as a vital way to support vulnerable members of our society. Prof. Ssali shared this message during the Community Open Day for Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University, where Prof. Claire Mack Mugasa, Dean of the School of Biosecurity, Biotechnology, and Laboratory, represented her and served as the guest of honour.
At the event attended by Mastercard Foundation Scholars (Mak Students and Alumni), mentors, partners, and the broader university community, Prof. Ssali emphasised the importance of giving back to the community. She expressed her appreciation for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University, highlighting their commitment to generosity. Prof. Ssali encouraged the entire university community to adopt similar practices, fostering a culture of social responsibility that shall positively influence and uplift surrounding communities.
“We gather here today not simply for an event, but for a statement of intent. The Community Open Day is a platform built on the conviction that education, paired with a spirit of national service, can transform not only individual lives but entire communities,” Prof. Ssali remarked. “I therefore call upon the Makerere University community to embrace the spirit of giving back to our communities. It is one of the ways through which the university will positively impact the less advantaged amongst us,” Prof. Ssali added.
Ms. Maria Mugerwa, the Head of Finance at the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, who represented the Foundation at the event, emphasised that giving back to the community is at the core of everything the Foundation does.
“I thank you, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars community at Makerere University, for bringing us together for this Community Open Day, one of the activities that sits at the heart of Mastercard Foundation: using opportunities to create opportunities for others.” Ms. Mugerwa remarked.
“Today is about community, connection and giving back. Giving back doesn’t require big projects or significant resources; it simply requires identifying a problem in your community and asking yourself what I can do about it.” Ms. Mugerwa pointed out.
Rotarian Francis Wangi, the day’s keynote speaker, reminded the scholars and guests present of the importance of giving back to the community. He noted that individuals’ success is tied to others’ well-being.
“Let us always think about others: ‘I am because we are.’ Our individual success is tied to the well-being of our neighbours, our villages, and our nation.” Wangi noted.
Mr. Wangi reminded the gathering that giving back to the community was not an act of Charity; rather, it was a fundamental responsibility of leadership.
“Giving back to the less advantaged in our communities is not an act of charity; it is a fundamental responsibility of leadership. True influence is measured by how much we lift others as we rise.” Wangi emphasized.
Prof. Justine Namaalwa, Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, represented by Ms. Jolly Okumu, stated that the Foundation considers education as equipping and empowering transformative leaders, a means to prepare young people to use their skills and networks for meaningful contributions to their communities.
“The Mastercard Foundation believes that education goes beyond acquiring knowledge and qualifications; it is also about developing young people who are prepared to apply their knowledge, skills and networks to contribute meaningfully to their communities.” Prof. Namaalwa remarked.
Prof. Namaalwa applauded the Mastercard Foundation Scholars (Mak Students and Alumni) for embracing the spirit of giving back through tangible community projects. Highlighting that the community open day was an opportunity to celebrate the community impact to date and launch a journey of change for yet another disadvantaged community.
“As we gather today, we celebrate the long-term community impact through the many transformative projects delivered since 2015, and we, the Scholars Program Community at Makerere University, are here to continue on the same journey with yet another community; we are here to demonstrate that every individual has something to offer in the transformation of our communities,” Prof. Namaalwa noted.
Mr Paul Wandera Makhulo, the Chairperson of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Association at Makerere University, used the occasion to remind his fellow young people of the importance of giveback as one of the ethos of Mastercard Foundation.
“To my fellow Scholars, I make a special appeal: Let us own Giveback. Let us not see it as an initiative belonging only to your nominated Executive Committee or the Giveback Committee; let us see it as our responsibility as Scholars.” Wandera pointed out.
Mr. Elphas Khamala, the representative of the Scholars Council and Chairperson of the Giveback Committee, used the event to raise awareness of the 2026 Scholars Giveback Project. He said the project aims to raise UGX 86 million to build a two-classroom block with 60 bench desks, improve sanitation by constructing a ventilated pit latrine, and install a water-harvesting system at Eastern Gate Nursery and Primary School in Amuru District.
The school is in Pacilo parish, Atiak subcounty, Amuru district, about 8-10 km from the South Sudan border. It was established in 2023 as a community initiative and has not received external funding. It currently has about 164 learners, from nursery to Primary Seven, and 10 teachers, including children from the refugee communities.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and its partner initiative, the Africa Climate Collaborative, organised the Scholars Community Open Day in collaboration with DFCU Bank and other partners, including FINCA Bank, Tamani Solutions, and Katumba Estates.
Held under the theme “Together for Impact: Celebrating Innovations and Giveback,” the event brought together Scholars (Mak Students and Alumni), the university community, partners, and members of the public to celebrate community initiatives and gather support for the 2026 Scholars’ Annual Day of Service.
Of the targeted UGX 86 million, undergraduate and graduate Scholars and Program Team members will raise at least UGX 30 million, while the remaining funds will be mobilised from partners; university leadership and alumni are expected to mobilise the remainder. The funds will finance a two-classroom block estimated at UGX 63.5 million, 60 bench desks at UGX 6 million, a staff latrine at UGX 8 million, and a 10,000-litre water tank with a water-harvesting system estimated at UGX 8.5 million.
Background
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program began its first phase in 2013 at Makerere University, marking the start of an impactful partnership. In 2023, this collaboration was renewed with the launch of Phase Two of the Scholars Program. Central to this initiative are activities focused on community engagement and giving back, which play a vital role in fostering leadership development among scholars.
Bernard Buteera is the Principal Communication and Public Relations Officer for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
-
General3 days agoUndergraduate Admissions: Students allowed to Change Programs/Subjects 2026/27
-
Computing & IS3 days agoProf. Engineer Bainomugisha Takes Over as Principal of CoCIS, Pledges Focus on Excellence, Research and Innovation
-
General1 week agoJICA, Makerere University Explore New Frontiers in AI and Research Collaboration
-
Engineering, Art & Tech2 weeks agoMakerere’s CEDAT Hosts Groundbreaking LIVWA Workshop on Advanced Climate Modelling for Lake Victoria Water Level Management
-
Law2 weeks agoUniversity Symposium at MakSoL Calls for Action to Advance Transitional Justice in Uganda