Tayebwa Says Dan Odongo’s Journey Should Inspire Public Servants

What the report says

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa praised the career of Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) Executive Director Dan Odongo as a model of diligence and public service, according to Watchdog Uganda. He made the remarks on Friday evening at Hotel Africana during the launch of Odongo’s book, “From Humble Beginnings: The Journey of a Teacher Who Rose to Lead a Nation’s Trust.”

Tayebwa said Odongo’s leadership at UNEB showed the value of accountability and commitment in public office. He pointed to Odongo’s record at the examinations body as an example of how a public servant can perform effectively without drawing repeated criticism from Parliament. He also said leadership should be judged by service and honesty rather than titles alone.

The Deputy Speaker further used Odongo’s story to highlight the contribution teachers can make to national service. He said the journey from the classroom to senior leadership should encourage educators and other public servants to see their work as a path to broader impact.

Odongo, who has led UNEB since 2016, said the book was intended to preserve the lessons from his own path, which began in Ofiru village in Lalogi, Omoro District. The book, as described by Watchdog Uganda, traces his rural upbringing, education, teaching career and rise through UNEB, where he joined in 1989 and later became chief executive.