Deputy Prime Minister Nakadama highlights mindset transformation as key to addressing social challenges at World Ministers Forum

The Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Without Portfolio, Rt. Hon. Rukia Isanga Nakadama, has underscored the importance of mindset transformation, character development, and values-based education in addressing social challenges affecting communities, especially the youth.

Rt. Hon. Nakadama made the remarks today while representing Uganda at the 14th World Ministers Forum held in Busan, Korea, under the theme: “Social Problems and Solutions through Mind Education.”

The global forum brought together more than 30 Ministers and representatives from different countries to discuss innovative approaches to addressing social challenges through education and mindset development.

In her address, Rt. Hon. Nakadama conveyed greetings from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the Government of Uganda, commending the organisers for providing a platform for global dialogue on the future of societies and young people.

She noted that Uganda, like many other countries, faces social challenges including youth unemployment, substance abuse, gambling, teenage pregnancy, violence, and the growing influence of social media.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, many of these challenges require deliberate efforts to strengthen character, responsibility, self-control, critical thinking, and hope among young people.

She highlighted Uganda’s youth empowerment initiatives, including the Parish Development Model (PDM), Youth Livelihood Programme, and Presidential Industrial Hubs, which provide skills development, access to affordable financing, and opportunities for young people to participate in economic development.

“Governments must continue to invest not only in infrastructure and economic growth but also in developing human capacity. Sustainable national development depends not only on knowledge and skills but also on the values and mindset of citizens,” she said.

Rt. Hon. Nakadama explained that Uganda has prioritised mindset transformation as an important component of national development, citing the launch of the National Mind Education Programme by President Museveni at Makerere University in 2017, following a partnership between the Government and the International Youth Fellowship (IYF).

She said the programme continues to promote positive attitudes, values, leadership development, and youth empowerment through partnerships involving government institutions, universities, and other stakeholders.

The Deputy Prime Minister cited Makerere University’s initiative to introduce Mind Education as an audited course unit as evidence of the growing recognition that education should develop both intellectual ability and character.

She also highlighted government programmes such as Universal Education, patriotism initiatives, and civic education programmes aimed at promoting discipline, integrity, national unity, and responsible citizenship.

“Our goal is to create a generation of job creators, innovators, and productive citizens,” Rt. Hon. Nakadama said, while calling for strengthened cooperation with South Korea in areas such as technology, skills development, manufacturing, and digital innovation to create more opportunities for young people.

She stressed that social challenges cannot be addressed through policies and legislation alone, noting that lasting solutions require individuals with integrity, resilience, responsibility, and the ability to make informed decisions.

Rt. Hon. Nakadama called for stronger partnerships among governments, educational institutions, families, civil society, and the private sector to build peaceful and prosperous societies.

“Education must go beyond the transfer of knowledge. It should cultivate character, strengthen values, and prepare young people to become responsible citizens and future leaders,” she said.

The 14th World Ministers Forum provides a platform for government leaders and education stakeholders from across the world to explore solutions to social challenges through education and mindset development.

On the sidelines of the forum, Rt. Hon. Nakadama also engaged with several investors on behalf of the Government of Uganda, promoting investment opportunities available in the country.

 

The post Deputy Prime Minister Nakadama highlights mindset transformation as key to addressing social challenges at World Ministers Forum appeared first on Watchdog Uganda.