Zombo’s Outgoing DEO Celebrated for Advancing Educational Standards

The outgoing District Education Officer (DEO) of Zombo, Mr. Nickolas Odeba, has officially retired from public service, capping a distinguished career marked by a steadfast commitment to raising educational standards across the district.

Mr. Odeba, 60, assumed the role of DEO in 2019 after briefly serving as headteacher of Jangokoro Seed Secondary School in 2018.

His tenure was celebrated in a colourful farewell ceremony held at Oturtgang Boys Primary School in Paidha Town Council last week, which attracted hundreds of education stakeholders, district leaders, and community members.

In his farewell address, Mr. Odeba thanked colleagues and partners for the collaborative spirit that enabled key achievements in the education sector during his six-year tenure.

 “To enhance the growth, success, and sustainability of the institution I serve through effective interpersonal and negotiation skills, striving to be an exemplary leader,” he said.

Ephraim, Zombo’s Assistant Chief Administrative Officer, lauded Mr. Odeba’s dedication and professionalism, saying the district would continue to consult him for guidance where necessary.

“We value your contributions and recognize your expertise as a resource we may call upon even in retirement,” he said.

Zombo District Chairperson Mr. James Oruna Oyullu credited Odeba’s leadership for fostering a collaborative relationship with political leaders, which facilitated significant progress in teacher recruitment and school management.

“During your tenure, we recruited 92 Senior Education Assistants, appointed 47 deputy headteachers, and recently onboarded 45 teachers,” Mr. Oyullu said.

Academic Background

He holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Management from the Aga Khan University Institute of Educational Development, East Africa, and a Bachelor of Arts with Education from Makerere University (1992, Second Class Upper Division).

His master’s research focused on strategic planning in rural secondary schools.

He also earned a Certificate in Educational Leadership from Aga Khan University in 2014 and has participated in a range of professional development programmes covering peacebuilding, transformational leadership, strategic planning, and behaviour change, some of which were facilitated by the British Council.

Throughout his career, Mr. Odeba served in several key positions across the country, including headteacher of St. Charles Lwanga College in Koboko (2008–2018), acting headteacher of Kasule Seed SS in Kyegegwa (2007–2008), deputy headteacher at St. Maria Goretti SS in Katende-Mpigi (2001–2006), and caretaker deputy headteacher at the same institution (1999–2000).

His teaching career began in 1992 at St. Henry Girls’ SS in Wakiso and St. Maria Goretti SS.

Under his leadership, the district recorded several infrastructural milestones such as the construction of Amei, Kango, Alangi, and the completion of Atyak Seed Secondary Schools.

Ms. Nasis Binwengi, the district councillor representing workers, described Mr. Odeba as a passionate advocate for quality education, even in the face of limited resources and socio-economic challenges.

“He always stood firm in prioritizing education,” she said.

Mr. Raymond Ombere, the Arua City Education Officer and national chairperson of the Association of District and Municipal Education Officers, praised Odeba’s clean record and commitment to ethical leadership.

“He served with honour and has set a benchmark for others in our field,” he noted.

Despite these achievements, Zombo’s education sector continues to face challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, a high school dropout rate currently at 10%, and increasing cases of teenage pregnancy.

Francis Bolingo, a district councillor from Athuma Sub-County, said the need to address staff shortages, urging the central government to prioritise human resource investment to sustain the district’s educational gains.