Greetings to the LOGODI family and alumni,

My name is Paul Okot Okello. I work as a Commissioner for District Administration at the Ministry of Local Government in Uganda. In March 2015, I went to Korea as one of the delegates, the fourth batch of Ugandan officials, for the Capacity Building Program on Local Administration for Uganda. 

The program helped me understand Korea’s development experiences, including various policies and strategies in e-Government, transparency in public service, and HRD&HRM in Korea. The program was designed to support Uganda in building the capacity of local government officials and promote bilateral relations between Uganda and Korea.

Let me share my thoughts with you.

First, rich natural resources will not be sufficient to ensure economic development, but skilled human resources could be. I witnessed how Korea achieved remarkable economic growth, without rich national recourses, during the study visits such as Posco Industries, Hyundai Motors, Hyundai Heavy industries, S.K Global Chemistry, Samsung Delight, etc.

Second, I noticed that Korea improved agricultural productivity through research, market development, and value addition. Visiting Wanju County, I observed how Korean farmers improve productivity and promote their products through cooperatives. 

Last, I experienced Korea's open information policy to share and disseminate transparency and accountability in public service during the visit to the National Assembly Library. I was also impressed how the lecturers were open to sharing their research materials and information with the participants. Moreover, the Korean local governments have open information offices. 

In addition, I grasped a deep understanding of Korean society, culture, and language. I learned how to say 'hello' in Korea, “an-nyeong-ha-sey-yo”, and how to use chopsticks to eat “gim-chi” and many other Korean dishes. 

KOICA is currently supporting the Government of Uganda to implement the Project on Establishment of Sustainable Model Villages in Uganda. As a Chairperson, I also work on the Project Steering Committee and apply the knowledge, skills, and perspectives that I gained From the program of LOGODI. Therefore, I am grateful to Korea for sharing its know-how of sustainable socio-economic transformation with Uganda.