Former UNEB boss Ongom laid to rest

FARE THEE WELL

ALEBTONG - The former Executive Secretary of Uganda National Examination Board (UNEB) David Livingstone Ongom was laid to rest Saturday afternoon at his ancestral home in Awiny village, Obim Parish, Apala sub-county, Alebtong district.

Ongom, 82, died Friday evening at Nakasero hospital where he had been admitted in the Intensive Care Unit.

Mourners lay wreath on Ongom's casket. Photo by Hudson Apunyo.

 
Born in now Alebtong district on June 20, 1937, Ongom was, until his death, the chairman of University Council of All Saint University, Lango.

He served in many capacities but notable are, Chairman of the Governing Council at the Uganda College of Commerce in Soroti from 2006 to 2009, Member of board of the province of Church of Uganda from 2000 to 2012, Chairman District Service Commission of Lira district from 1998 to 2002, Deputy secretary of the Examination Administration of East African Examination council, Kampala Regional Office from 1979 to 1980.

He was awarded with Association of Educational Assessment in Africa (Zimbabwe) AEAA founding fathers award in 2017, Distinguished Education Service Award, Lango Development Forum in 2017 and National Independence award.

In 1984, Ongom who is survived by a widow, Catherine Angwech Ongom and five children was appointed the acting UNEB Executive Secretary until 1989, when he was confirmed. He retired in 1996 and was replaced by Mathew Bukenya.

Ongom joined the Department of Geological Surveys at Entebbe. He was admitted at Makerere University for a postgraduate diploma in education, which he completed in 1968.

He returned to his home area to teach Physics at Lango College up to 1970. Ongom was later transferred to National Teachers' College (NTC) in Kyambogo as a lecturer of Physics.

Ongom became the NTC Kyambogo's Deputy Director in January 1973. He later rose to the level of regional chief examiner for Physics under the then East African Examinations Council (EAEC).

In 1976 - 1977, Ongom joined the EAEC as deputy secretary in charge of examinations and research, test development and publication, East African Examination Council, Uganda Regional Office.

Several dignitaries including current UNEB Executive Secretary Dan Odongo attended the service led by three bishops; Alfred Acur of West Lango Diocese, Alfred Olwa of Lango Diocese and retired bishop John Charles Odurkami of Lango Diocese.

Ongom's casket lowered to his final resting place. Photo by Hudson Apunyo.

 May his soul Rest In Peace.