TCs make a surprise gallantry visit to Uganda’s Chemistry Genius; The great Keith Obot
Gallant Nyangolians!
Today is indeed a special day. After the successful SPECTOBA SACCO AGM of February 16, 2024, a few Old Boys while talking about the 20k monthly initiative noted with concern that the great teachers who stirred, enthused and lit up the vanguard TC of the old good days before the advent of the noughties and its subsequent crises also need to be remembered, supported and appreciated. It is with such joy and delight to inform the Old Boys fraternity that a small but representative team of OBs who were lucky to be taught and instructed by one of Uganda’s Chemistry genius; the great Keith Obot, paid him a surprise gallantry visit at his home at St. Mary's College Kisubi (SMACK) today. The Team Led by Chairman SPECTOBA Prof.Kamba with a team of OBs included Sam Wasike (President Emeritus), Dr. Emma Odeke (DHO Bukedea), Dr. Symon Wandiembe (Lecturer Dept. of Statistics MUK), Patrick Omara (Senior Accountant at UNCST), Frank Odyek (Accountant/Oil & Gas Investor), Dr. Dennis Okello (Head - Dept. of Physics MUK), Eng. Chad Silas Akita (Civil Engineer at UEGCL and Manager-Isimba Dam).
When the idea for this visit was conceived, it was supported by a few people and some of whom also volunteered to take time off their busy schedules and make it happen. These include the members already listed above; Prof. Eng. Peter Olupot Wilber, Eng. Bob Mayeku, Eng. Clement Walimbwa, Dr. Calvin Epidu, Dr. Thomas Lapaka Odong, Dr. Charles Owuor, Dr. Joseph Okello, Dr. Alfred Alumai, Martin Ojok, Diba Moses Andrew, Jimmy Oola, Dennis Odur, Paul Omute, Andrew Okello among a few others. In just two days (Thursday and Friday), these gallant old students of Mr. Obot raised over 6,000,000ugx to facilitate this historic visit and made it happen. For those who did not get the opportunity of being taught or instructed by Keith Obot, he was one of TC’s shining stars who taught Chemistry from 1987 to 2002/3, before the then school administration melted down one of the most cherished, adored and reminisced academic giants of Eastern Uganda; Tororo College. As a result of this maladministration, excellent teachers were left with no option but to leave. Their names and teaching legacies to so many of us still sound loudest. Keith Obot for Chemistry; Opio Oucul for Physics; and Stephen Oittaba for History all made an exodus to SMACK around the same time of 2002/3. They continued to excel at what they do best. Keith is still serving at SMACK in post-retirement. Mr. Oucul also retired and lives in his home across Entebbe road from SMACK. Keith was also the house master for the great Lwanga from early 1990s till he left.
Chairman Prof.Kamba on behalf of all the students taught, mentored, supported and/or touched by Keith, thanked the gallant woundists for this appreciation gesture to a towering classroom giant, a great teacher, an idol, a friend and a human being. Prof.Kamba confirms that this visit is not the end, but an eye opener to many such visits to the people who mentored and spurred us to what we all are today. He said the two-day drive has once again demonstrated the gratitude nature and greatness of TC Old Boys and the untapped potential of the alumni capital that SPECTOBA is privileged to have.
As your Chairperson, the executive that I graciously lead is committed to harnessing this capital to support the school administration to quickly rebuild and regain TC’s old glory, as we also reach out and give a token of thanks and recognition to all the mighty teachers and non-teaching staff who held fort for this greatness. For those of you who would have wished to support or join the visit but were not in the know, we apologize to you and also comfort you, that you were all ably represented. However, we invite you to send your generous contributions of thank you to any of your teachers to the SPECTOBA account and inform the Treasurer; Tim Ediomu about its purpose. In June this year when we hold the grand fundraising dinner in Kampala, we plan to do an expanded recognition of all living teachers and non-teaching staff. Keith sends his love and appreciation of you all. He says that he reminds everyone that the high quality of students at TC made him a great teacher and built his name and legacy. Remember, the influence of a good teacher can never be erased. It is believed that, “a good education can change anyone, but a good teacher can change everything” – anonymous.
Let’s keep doing it. We are TCs. Palma Sub Pondere Crescit!
Comments
Post a Comment