Author of “Perseverance is Key: My Journey Through Life and Work”
Introduction
George Steven Okotha is a retired chartered insurer, economist, statistician, farmer, and now author. His story is one of resilience, transformation, and purpose — a journey that bridges decades of professional excellence and personal growth. In this interview, he shares lessons from his life in insurance, retirement, and writing.
Q1. For those who may not know you, who is George Steven Okotha?
A: I’m George Steven Okotha, retired but not tired. I’m a statistician, economist, chartered insurer, farmer, and now author. I studied at Kirewa Primary School in Tororo, Ngora High School for O-Level, Busoga College Mwiri for A-Level, and later Makerere University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Economics.
My professional career began at the National Insurance Corporation (NIC), where I worked for 13 years before joining the Uganda Insurance Commission, now the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA). I retired in 2018 and currently serve as a member of the Insurance Appeals Tribunal and as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Kenya National Assurance Company (Uganda) Ltd.
Q2. Looking back on your long career in insurance, what achievements are you most proud of?
A: Several milestones come to mind. Achieving the Chartered Insurer status from the UK’s Chartered Insurance Institute is one. I’m also proud of being part of the pioneer team that established the Uganda Insurance Commission in 1996 together with the late F.F. Magezi. That laid the foundation for today’s well-regarded insurance sector.
Another highlight was coordinating the Chartered Insurance Institute (UK) examinations in Uganda for 20 years, benefitting more than 380 candidates who passed under my supervision without a single leakage. I’m equally proud to have retired honourably, transitioned into farming, and authored the textbook Insurance Management for the diploma program at the Insurance Training College of Uganda.
Q3. What values or principles guided you throughout your career?
A: Hard work, integrity, professionalism, and mentorship. Integrity stood at the centre of my work, especially when handling international examinations and regulatory duties. I also believed in mentoring others to ensure continuity. To this day, I’m proud that the team I left at the Insurance Regulatory Authority continues to perform excellently.
Q4. How did your work in insurance prepare you for life after retirement?
A: My work taught me planning and discipline. I knew retirement would come, so I began preparing early. I discovered my passion for farming during a work trip to Zanzibar, where I visited a spice garden and learned about cinnamon. That experience inspired me to start growing cinnamon, cocoa, and soursop.
When I retired, I expanded into nursery farming for cocoa, cinnamon, and Ashok trees. For me, retirement was not the end; it was a new beginning built on preparation and purpose.
Q5. Many people struggle with retirement. What lessons can they draw from your experience?
A: Plan early and view retirement as an opportunity, not an end. Too many people retire unprepared because they don’t even check their appointment letters to know when their contracts end. I had already mapped out my next chapter.
When I retired, three insurance companies offered me CEO positions, but I declined. I felt it was time to work for myself after years of working for others. That decision brought me peace, fulfilment, and independence.
Q6. You’re also active in Rotary. How has that shaped your personal growth and writing?
A: Rotary has been a training ground for service, leadership, and continuous learning. It sharpens one’s time management, networking, and community engagement skills. Through Rotary, I met people like Rotarian Betty, who later became my book consultant. Rotary’s spirit of service and fellowship also inspired me to write this book to serve others through my story.
Q7. What inspired you to write Perseverance is Key?
A: My life story. I grew up poor, lost my mother early, and was raised by stepmothers. I faced hardship through school, work, and even personal tragedy, including single parenting and several accidents in a plane, train, and car.
Despite everything, perseverance saw me through. I wrote this book so that readers, especially those facing difficult times, can see that it’s possible to overcome through faith, discipline, and persistence.
Q*8. Who do you hope will read this book, and what do you want them to take away from it?
A: I hope parents, students, and professionals will read it. Parents should buy it for their children because it shows that success requires struggle and patience. Students will learn to take education seriously and not lose hope when things get tough. Professionals will see that integrity and perseverance pay off.
The book covers themes of schooling, marriage, parenting, and survival. It is both a life story and a guide for self-development.
Q9. You’ve mentioned surviving several accidents. Could you tell us more?
A: Yes, I survived two plane accidents and one train accident, among others. Those experiences deepened my gratitude for life and strengthened my belief in perseverance. That’s why I share them in the book, to remind readers that giving up should never be an option.
Q10. What message do you have for today’s professionals and entrepreneurs in Uganda?
A: Persevere, persevere, and persevere. Success is often just around the corner. Many give up too soon. Even in farming, I’ve had to persevere through challenges like market access and crop maturity. Perseverance doesn’t end when you retire; it’s a lifelong companion.
Q11. When is your book launching, and what can readers expect?
A: Perseverance is Key will be launched on 5th November. It’s a major milestone for me, a product of reflection, resilience, and gratitude. Readers can expect an inspiring and practical life guide. I call it a training school because once you read it, you won’t remain the same.
Q12. What’s next for you after this book?
A: My next project is a book focused entirely on retirement to help Ugandans plan wisely and live meaningfully after formal employment. I see too many people retiring in distress simply because they didn’t plan. I want to change that.
Q13. Do you have a favourite book or one that has inspired you?
A: One book I always remember is Sincerity Divorced by Edward Hinga. It left a lasting impression on me and shaped some of my thoughts on integrity and personal perseverance.
Q14. Finally, what word defines you today?
A: Integrity. It has carried me through every stage of life. My motto remains, “Perseverance is key.”
And yes, as I speak to you now, I’m sipping cinnamon tea from my own farm. That’s a taste of fulfilment, gratitude, and peace.
About the Book
Title: Perseverance is Key: My Journey Through Life and Work
Author: George Steven Okotha
Launch Date: 5th November
Themes: Integrity, Perseverance, Career, Retirement, Faith
Availability: To be announced at the official launch event.
💡 Enjoy better copyright protection — become a member at www.urro.ug
Great and motivational interview captured up here. Communicate venue and time
This is great and motivational interview up here. Please communicate venue for the launch.