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.
By Monica Meeme, Cynthia Ayaa Komakec and Eric Tumwesigye
Makerere University, through its Gender Mainstreaming Directorate (GMD), in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Embassy of Sweden, UNESCO O3 Plus have successfully trained 250 Student Peer Trainers (SPTs) to strengthen student-led efforts in promoting gender equality and the prevention of gender-based violence.
The three-day capacity-building workshop, held from 5th to 7th May 2026, brought together selected student leaders from across the University and formed part of Makerere University’s commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and gender responsive learning environment. The training equipped participants with practical knowledge and skills to serve as peer educators, advocates, mentors, and referral points for students requiring support on gender-related issues.
The workshop covered a wide range of thematic areas, including the Makerere University Gender Equality Policy, the Policy and Regulations Against Sexual Harassment (PRASH), international, regional and national legal frameworks on gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), leadership development, effective communication, and student-led advocacy and action planning.
Facilitators included Susan Mbabazi, Principal Gender Officer; Eric Tumwesigye, Principal Gender Officer; Carol Abilat Gender Officer; Cynthia Ayaa Komakec Gender Officer; Dr. Richard Mwesigwa of UNFPA; Dr. Lilian Tukahira Assistant Administrator; and Judith Kiconco, Gender Officer.
Day One: Building Foundations for Gender Equality and Inclusion
The opening day commenced with welcome and opening remarks delivered by Ms. Susan Mbabazi, Acting Chief Gender Mainstreaming Officer; Ms. Laura Criado Lafuente, Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); and Dr. Rodney Rugyema, Office of the Dean of Students, who represented the Vice Chancellor.
Speaking on behalf of UNFPA, Ms. Laura Criado Lafuente described the training as more than a workshop, characterising it as a movement designed to empower students to influence attitudes, behaviours, and social norms within their communities. She encouraged participants to challenge harmful practices, support survivors of gender-based violence, and serve as catalysts for positive change both within and beyond the University.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Rodney Rugyema emphasised that Makerere University’s mandate extends beyond academic excellence to ensuring the safety, well-being, and holistic development of its students. He urged participants to avoid harmful relationships, prioritise personal safety, and actively contribute to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive campus environment.
Dr. Rugyema further described Student Peer Trainers as the “eyes and ears” of the University community, underscoring their vital role in raising awareness, identifying emerging challenges, and mobilising collective action to prevent and address gender-based violence.
The first day of the workshop also introduced participants to the principles of gender equality, gender mainstreaming, and the institutional frameworks that guide Makerere University’s efforts to promote inclusion, equity, and student welfare.
Ms. Susan Mbabazi provided a historical overview of the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate and highlighted the University’s sustained commitment to creating an equitable and supportive academic environment. She also guided participants through the key provisions of the Policy and Regulations Against Sexual Harassment (PRASH), emphasising the University’s zero-tolerance stance on sexual harassment and all forms of gender-based violence.
Mr.Eric Tumwesigye facilitated a session on foundational gender concepts, enabling participants to deepen their understanding of gender dynamics, stereotypes, power relations, and the importance of promoting equality and inclusivity within university spaces.
A key highlight of the day was a presentation by Ms. Carol Abilat on the Makerere University Gender Equality Policy. She emphasised that gender equality is fundamentally rooted in fairness, dignity, and equal opportunity for all members of the University community, including marginalised groups and persons with disabilities.
Ms. Abilat further explained that the policy aligns with national development priorities and international commitments, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 on Gender Equality. Participants were introduced to critical concepts such as consent, sexual harassment, discrimination, gender blindness, and inclusive approaches to teaching, learning, leadership, and institutional management.
Day Two: Understanding Legal Frameworks and Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights
The second day focused on strengthening participants’ understanding of legal and policy frameworks that promote gender equality and protect individuals from discrimination, sexual harassment, and gender-based violence.
Facilitating the session on international, regional, and national legal frameworks, Cynthia Ayaa Komakec provided participants with a comprehensive overview of key human rights instruments and gender equality commitments.
At the international level, participants examined frameworks such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Discussions highlighted how these instruments have shaped global efforts to eliminate discrimination and advance the rights and empowerment of women and girls.
The regional discussion focused on the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol), which provide important protections and promote women’s participation in social, economic, and political development across the continent.
The session also examined Uganda’s national legal and policy framework, including the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda (1995), the Uganda Gender Policy, and relevant provisions of the Penal Code Act.
A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the implementation gap that often exists between legal protections and actual practice. Participants explored the importance of accountability, institutional commitment, awareness creation, and community engagement in translating legal frameworks into meaningful outcomes.
The day also featured a session on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) facilitated by Dr. Richard Mwesigwa from UNFPA.
Dr. Mwesigwa introduced participants to UNFPA’s mandate and mission before guiding them through key concepts relating to sexual health, reproductive health, rights, and access to services. The session addressed the importance of informed decision-making, consent, healthy relationships, prevention of gender-based violence, and available support mechanisms for students experiencing harassment or abuse.
Participants were also equipped with practical guidance on how Student Peer Trainers can provide information, make referrals, and support fellow students in accessing appropriate services and assistance.
Throughout the day, facilitators emphasised the need to position students as active change agents capable of promoting positive behavioural change within colleges, halls of residence, and wider communities.
Day Three: Partnerships, Leadership and Action Planning
The final day focused on strengthening peer leadership skills and equipping participants with practical tools for developing and implementing student-led initiatives.
Representatives from development partners reaffirmed the importance of youth leadership and collaborative action in addressing gender inequalities and preventing gender-based violence.
Addressing participants, Jessica Pellrud from the Embassy of Sweden emphasised that gender equality remains a critical pillar of sustainable development. She encouraged students to become long-term advocates for social transformation by challenging harmful norms, supporting survivors, and promoting inclusive participation among both women and men.
Eric Tumwesigye reflected on the growth of the Student Peer Trainers programme noting that the initiative has expanded from training 50 students annually to 250 peer educators. The expansion is intended to strengthen outreach and increase access to peer support services across the University.
He encouraged participants to integrate gender awareness into broader discussions on mental health, academic achievement, healthy relationships, and responsible digital engagement.
Facilitating the action-planning session, Dr. Lilian Tukahirwa guided participants through the process of designing practical and achievable interventions for their respective colleges. She emphasised the importance of creativity, flexibility, teamwork, and collaboration with academic staff and College leadership to ensure sustainable impact.
The workshop concluded with participants developing action plans aimed at promoting gender equality, preventing sexual harassment, and strengthening awareness and support mechanisms within their academic units.
Renewed Commitment to Student-Led Change
In his closing remarks, Eric Tumwesigye commended participants for their commitment, discipline, and active engagement throughout the three-day training programme. He also acknowledged the valuable contributions of facilitators and development partners, including UNFPA, and the Embassy of Sweden.
He announced that participants would undertake online evaluations and receive support in developing concept papers for college-based initiatives designed to promote gender equality and prevent sexual harassment.
Tumwesigye emphasised that while institutional support remains critical, the long-term success of the programme depends on sustained student leadership, ownership, and commitment.
The workshop concluded with a renewed pledge from the newly trained Student Peer Trainers to champion gender equality, support vulnerable students, and contribute to building a safer, more inclusive, and gender-responsive Makerere University community.
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