Africa-Press – Uganda. The Executive Director of the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), Dan Nokrach Odongo, is set to launch a new book detailing his inspiring journey from a humble background to leading the country’s examinations body.
Titled Humble Beginnings, the book will be launched on August 14 at Hotel Africana, with Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa expected to preside over the event.
Odongo describes the book as a reflection of God’s faithfulness, perseverance, and the determination required to overcome life’s challenges.
“It is also a heartfelt tribute to the teachers, mentors, colleagues, friends, and family members who walked this journey with me—believing in me even during the moments when I struggled to believe in myself,” Odongo says.
He explains that his story is intended to encourage young people, teachers, and leaders facing difficult circumstances to remain hopeful and committed to their goals.
“If my life has taught me anything, it is that no beginning is too small for God to use, and no path is too rough for purpose to unfold. I share my story with deep humility, hoping that someone reading it—a young boy or girl from a remote village, a teacher struggling with limited resources, or a leader facing difficult decisions—will find the courage to press on,” he says.
Odongo says the book captures how the values of hard work, faith, discipline, and hope instilled by his parents shaped his journey from childhood to leadership.
“I have learnt that leadership is not about titles, but about service, honesty, and commitment to the people one leads. Your title may open the door, but only your actions earn respect,” he says.
The UNEB chief says he hopes his story will inspire the younger generation by demonstrating that humble beginnings do not limit one’s ability to achieve greatness.
“Mine is a story of humble beginnings—a boy who studied under mango trees with a slate and chalk, walked long distances to school on an empty stomach, and quietly shed tears in homes far from the warmth of his mother’s cooking fire. Yet, through those moments of hardship, I found kindness, grace, and the assurance that every step was leading somewhere meaningful,” he says.
Odongo’s Humble Beginnings traces his transformation from a child facing adversity to an education leader entrusted with overseeing Uganda’s national examinations system.
