Tayebwa and Odongo toasting to the launch on Friday at Africana. Tayebwa bought 100 copies of the book for schools in Mitooma.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has launched UNEB Executive Director Dan Odongo’s book and warned young people against despising humble beginnings.
Tayebwa, who is also the Member of Parliament for Ruhinda County, Mitooma District, was the chief guest on Friday as Odongo launched From Humble Beginnings: The Journey of a Teacher Who Rose to Lead a Nation’s Trust. The book chronicles Odongo’s journey from a humble rural upbringing to becoming the Executive Director of the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB).
”We learn from the book that this journey was shaped by faith, hard work, discipline and perseverance,” said Tayebwa. ”His (Odongo’s) journey resonates with my own. Dan told us that he found it important to document his life journey not because of how far he has risen, but because of the lessons along the way. Indeed, his story offers important lessons for our young people, teachers and public servants. It reminds us that our beginnings do not determine our destiny and that the classroom can be an important launching pad for national service. I will buy some copies of the book and distribute them to schools in Mitooma. I hope it will inspire students to see how far they can go in life.” Tayebwa appealed to young people never to despise humble beginnings.
UNEB Board Chairman Prof. Celestino Obua described the book as quality. ”The quality of the book can’t be described. You may think it is not done from Uganda,” said Prof Obua.
Speaking at the launch, Odongo revealed that proceeds from the sale of the books would go toward setting up a foundation to support disadvantaged children. ”I dedicate this book to my late parents,” said Odongo. ”From my story, my parents took very good care of me, ensuring that I went to school, yet my father stopped in Primary 3 (P3).” He also warned that the institution of parenthood is under threat. ”Parents are driving on the fast lane. Later, when life throws you down, they (children) won’t recognize you,” said Odongo.
He revealed that being a CEO of an examining body is not easy.
”Being a CEO has taught me patience,” he added.
The book goes for Shs 100, 000 per copy.
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