A 41 year old man has sat for the just concluded primary leaving (PLE) examinations in Agago district in northern Uganda. The man, Kalisto Odur is a UPDF soldier based in Mubende district in central Uganda.
In an interview on Wednesday at his village in Lukole, Odur said he is excited after the successful completion of his exams adding that he expects to get excellent grades when the Uganda examination board releases results some time next year.
On average most children sit for their primary leaving examinations aged between 12-13.
Odur, a sergeant in the army, said he decided to get back to school in 2001 after he was challenged by his children who held conversations in English, a language he at the time didn’t understand.
“There and then, I knew that I had to go back to school if I wanted to be a good father,” he said.
Odur sat for his exams at Olung primary school in Agago district in Lukole Sub County – his home district. But he began his studies in Mubende in primary three before joining Olung in primary five.
“It was quite an experience for me since I had to seat in class with young children, one of them my daughter,’’ said the UPDF soldier.
‘‘I could not struggle with them [children] to answer questions in class, so I had to wait when they were out for break – then I would approach the teachers if I had any concerns. I am glad they gave me special respect and attention at school”.
Odur explained that the world is developing at a very first rate therefore anyone who fears progress has no place in the quickly evolving world.
“My children communicate in English so if you cannot understand the simple concept of yes/no, then you will not be able to communicate efficiently today”.
On why he did not have education at an early age, Odur said he lost his father at early age so instead of school, he opted for the army.
The father of eight is married to Irene Akidi who is expecting what he says will be their last child. His first four children are from an earlier marriage to a woman who was abducted by the LRA, and has never come back.
During the interview, Odur spoke calmly. He hopes to continue to secondary school and beyond.
His ambition is to join politics when he one day when he retires from the army or look out for job since then he hopes to have attained the qualifications and skills needed to compete in the job market.
Public reaction
The public has hailed Odur for his courage in pursuing education at a late age.
Miriam Adong, also known as Min Dan, a resident of Awere Sub County in Pader district said she admires Odur because ”there is no shame in seeking education”. According to min Dan, she would also opt for education if she had the time to attend to school.
George Bongomin, a resident of Lira-Palwo Sub County says Odur is a good example that all men should emulate.
By Mildred Auma
