Gulu doctor turns life experiences into inspiring book “Living With Purpose”

Gulu: A Gulu-based obstetrician-gynecologist and university lecturer, Dr. Jimmy Opee, has ventured beyond the hospital corridors and lecture halls to inspire the public with his debut book, Living With Purpose, a deeply personal reflection on life, resilience, and hope.

The book, which took three years to complete, blends Dr. Opee’s personal experiences with timeless lessons about the human journey. It explores how individuals can find meaning in challenges, strengthen their mindset, and live more intentionally regardless of profession or background.

“This book is a profound exploration of life’s journey,” Dr. Opee said in an interview. “It offers timeless lessons on purpose, resilience, hope, legacy, and coexistence. I’ve shared my personal experiences to inspire people from all walks of life.”

A medical doctor by training, Dr. Opee currently lectures in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Gulu University’s Faculty of Medicine. He also serves as Secretary General of the Uganda Medical Association Acholi Branch, is a member of the Rotary Club of Gulu City, and is one of the directors at Jowa Medical Center in Gulu.

Despite his demanding career, Dr. Opee says writing the book was an inner calling a way to give back to the community beyond medicine.

“I grew up in a humble family of peasant farmers. My endurance and experiences shaped me,” he reflected. “I realized my story could motivate others to endure, work hard, and find purpose in whatever they do.”

Living with Purpose is structured into eight sections, each capturing a different dimension of life from the power of the mind to the value of human coexistence.

The book also introduces what Dr. Opee calls the “Philosophy of Lucan Ojemo”, an idea rooted in the belief that the poor are not the weakest but the foundation of society’s strength.

“The poor are actually the strongest in the community,” he explained. “If we focus our thinking and investment on them, that’s where the strength of a nation lies. Poverty should be a temporary circumstance, not a destiny.”

The book, already reviewed by prominent scholars including Professor George Lada Openyjuru, Vice-Chancellor of Gulu University, and Professor James Lam Lagoro, has received praise for its depth, originality, and motivational tone.

Both academics wrote endorsements for the book and encouraged readers to embrace it as a guide for personal and social transformation.

The official launch of Living with Purpose is scheduled for November 28, 2025, during Gulu University’s graduation ceremony. Copies are already available for sale at 20,000 shillings, and early readers at this year’s Gulu Oktoberfest including international visitors from Germany and Belgium — have shown great interest.

Dr. Opee acknowledges the decline in reading culture among Ugandans but insists that reading remains the key to personal growth, even in the age of artificial intelligence.

“Technology will never replace human intelligence,” he said. “Books endure beyond social media trends because they contain verified, timeless knowledge. That’s why I made Living with Purpose short and engaging — to attract both active and casual readers.”

The book is registered with the Uganda National Library for copyright protection and includes a QR code for verification.

Dr. Opee cautioned readers against reproducing or photocopying it illegally, urging them instead to support authorship by purchasing original copies.

He also had a message for aspiring writers and the younger generation: “Before you start a business, read. Before you speak, read. Before you make any decision, read,” he said passionately. “Reading builds the foundation of intelligence and success. That is the spirit behind Living with Purpose.”

As a doctor, scholar, and now author, Dr. Jimmy Opee hopes his book will ignite a new culture of reading, self-reflection, and purposeful living not just in northern Uganda, but across the country.

This book is not about me,” he concluded. “It’s about all of us — finding meaning in our daily lives and living with purpose.”

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