🌍 An Unexpected Turn, and to Africa—Uganda
In 2022, while I was preparing for a dispatch to Russia, an unexpected event—war—occurred, blocking that path.
Afterward, the new dispatch location was nearly decided as Turkmenistan in Central Asia, but at the time, another instructor with a more favorable position was assigned there first.
Eventually, that instructor went to Turkmenistan, and I naturally headed to a new land—Uganda, Africa.
Uganda is an English-speaking country, whereas I had been working in Russian-speaking regions.
Due to the language barrier, it was initially considered impossible for me to be dispatched to Uganda.
However, there was a request from the Korean Embassy in Uganda, and Kukkiwon accepted it, saying, “Please dispatch him even if he doesn’t speak English.”
In this way, I opened the door to my first dispatch to an English-speaking country.
That place was none other than Africa, a continent so unfamiliar that I had never even dreamed of it.
Until I got off the plane and set foot on the ground in Uganda, it didn’t feel real.
It was only upon arrival that the reality hit me.
I was curious and afraid—how would life unfold here?
Would I be able to overcome the language barrier?
Now, I am growing here in Uganda through my Taekwondo work, becoming a better Kimsabu day by day.
Overview of Dispatch to Uganda
📅 Date of Dispatch
April 18, 2023
🏛 Dispatching Organizations
Kukkiwon / Government of the Republic of Korea
🛠 Key Responsibilities
• Promote and teach Taekwondo at Makerere University
• Provide Taekwondo training to UPDF Military Police trainees
• Instruct local youth and elite athletes
• Collaborate with the Uganda Taekwondo Federation (UTF) and Uganda National Olympic Committee (UNOC)
• Train local instructors through ODA training programs
• Run rehabilitation and character education programs in prisons
• Host regional competitions and promotion tests, and provide referee education
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Summary of Activities
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🏛 Dispatching Institutions: Kukkiwon / Government of the Republic of Korea
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🛠 Main Duties:
• Conducting and promoting Taekwondo classes at Makerere University
• Taekwondo education for UPDF Military Police trainees
• Coaching local youth and elite athletes
• Cooperation with Uganda Taekwondo Federation (UTF) and Olympic Committee (UNOC)
• Training local instructors through ODA training programs
• Running rehabilitation and character education programs in prisons
• Organizing local competitions, promotion tests, and referee training
UPDF Taekwondo Training Program
Taekwondo Leadership Training and Promotion Project for the Entire Ugandan Military
Makerere University Taekwondo Program
Taekwondo Training Program for University Students and the General Public
UPDF Taekwondo Training Program
Instilling the Spirit of Taekwondo in the Mission of Soldiers
In August 2023, a full-scale Taekwondo training program was launched for the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF).
This program is more than just martial arts instruction—it is a mission-oriented training that aims to instill Taekwondo values into the calling and spirit of military service.
On September 7 of the same year, the program was officially inaugurated through the opening ceremony of the Makerere University Taekwondo Class.
The initial cohort consisted of 13 soldiers: 5 from the Military Police, 5 from Special Forces, and 3 from Military Intelligence.
After a year of intensive training, 12 participants successfully passed the Kukkiwon black belt promotion test in 2024 and were awarded official Dan certificates.
The second training cohort began on November 25, 2024, with 19 Military Police personnel. Training is still ongoing.
The UPDF Taekwondo Program strengthens the discipline of the Ugandan military through the philosophy of traditional Korean martial arts.
By emphasizing mental strength and character development, the training supports soldiers in fulfilling their duties with greater responsibility.
The program centers around three core values: Discipline, Honor, and Integrity.
Partner Organizations and Leadership Development
Kimsabu is committed not only to regular instruction but also to the development of local Taekwondo leaders and the establishment of institutional foundations.
He personally awarded Kukkiwon dan certificates to the President of the Uganda Taekwondo Federation (UTF), helping pass on the values of traditional Kukkiwon Taekwondo in Uganda.
He also met with the Chairman of the Uganda National Olympic Committee (UNOC) to present the educational value of Taekwondo and the potential for international exchange.
Through Kimsabu's recommendation, four local instructors in Uganda participated in the Kukkiwon ODA Global Master Training Program.
Among them, three earned official Master certification — the first in Uganda’s Taekwondo history.
This marks a symbolic turning point for Taekwondo in Uganda. Regular training and leadership education continue today, with plans to expand future training opportunities.
Uganda Taekwondo Federation
Activities
The Uganda Taekwondo Federation, in cooperation with Kukkiwon, has been actively promoting the spirit and training culture of Taekwondo throughout the country.
We work closely with the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), Makerere University, Luzira Prison, Uganda Police, and CSCA, reaching soldiers, university students, youth, and community leaders.
Through systematic training, leadership development, and cultural exchange, we strive to spread the true values of Taekwondo and cultivate upright character across Ugandan society.
In addition, Grandmaster Kimsabu (8th Dan Kukkiwon / 1st Class International Master), dispatched by Kukkiwon as a government-appointed Master in 2023, has been contributing to the development of Taekwondo in Uganda through promotion tests, competitions, Taekwondo seminars, and regional education programs in cooperation with various institutions.
The Federation organizes regular promotion tests, championships, seminars, and demonstrations, raising the status of Ugandan Taekwondo and serving as a bridge to the global Taekwondo community.
In particular, three Ugandan instructors successfully participated in the Kukkiwon Global Master Program (ODA) in 2023 and 2024, earning their International Taekwondo Master certification.
This achievement highlights both the international recognition and the remarkable growth of Ugandan Taekwondo leaders.
🌍 50 Years of History, and a New Beginning
Taekwondo in Uganda began in 1969 with Master Nam Suk Kim, and over the past half-century, it has steadily taken root and grown.
At last, under the guidance of Master Kwangjoo Kim, three local instructors officially acquired Kukkiwon Master certification.
This achievement goes beyond educational success—it marks a historic turning point toward the autonomy and institutionalization of Taekwondo in Uganda, laying a solid foundation for the next generation.
Master Kwangjoo Kim continues this legacy by building the future of Ugandan Taekwondo through authentic Taekwondo spirit, character education, and instructor training.
Makerere University Taekwondo Program
"Training with Balance, Taekwondo that Transforms Lives"
The Taekwondo Classroom at Makerere University officially opened on September 12, 2023, as Uganda’s first formal Taekwondo program.
Under the leadership of Grandmaster Kim Kwangjoo, dispatched by Kukkiwon and the Korean government, this program goes beyond physical education—fostering character development, responsibility, and a sense of community.
Regular training is held every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday afternoon for university students.
Through Taekwondo, all participants learn to balance body and mind, cultivating a disciplined and respectful approach to life.
Each year, students also have the opportunity to participate in Kukkiwon promotion tests and earn official Dan certificates, marking key milestones in their personal growth and pride.
Makerere University’s Taekwondo classroom is a space where academics meet martial arts, and philosophy meets action.
Those who grow here will become healthy leaders of Ugandan society.
