‘Think You Can’: Inside Ivan Mawanda’s new book and the inspiration behind it

Kampala, (UG): Ugandan rising book author Ivan Mawanda on Thursday, December 07, unveiled his dream book titled “Think You Can” adding to the wealth of knowledge and inspiration available in the country for ambitious readers.

Launched at Kampala Sheraton Hotel, ‘Think You Can‘ emphasizes the progress of an individual beyond imagination, shaping the mind of the readers to grasp every opportunity that comes out of their thoughts, which are a foundation of a person’s success.

Mawanda who himself has risen from humble backgrounds to the heights of success he’s at currently described the book as one that depicts his life’s journey and urged book addicts not to miss a chance of securing a copy which goes for only Shs 30,000.

“This book encourages people in our generation to think in a matrix way and not a normal way. Many of us look at our first failure as the end whereas not. At first, it was declared as unpublishable work, with all publishing houses telling me that I never studied literature and therefore couldn’t write a book but I didn’t give up,” Mawanda said, adding that just like him many people are willing to pursue their goals, they are discouraged by the first failure but the book he wrote encourages people never to give up in whatever they do.

He also scoffed at youths who tend to despite the power of talent, for whichever aspect of life it can be, and therefore advised them to harness their skills and build outstanding careers out of it.

“Many youths now look at life in a mediocre way that when you tell them it is not all about white-collar jobs or academia but developing your talent, they look at you with a suspicious eye. The truth is that youth could be weak in class but talented in music or sports,” he said.

“You can still be a good and successful person if you focus on developing your talent. It doesn’t matter the background you are coming from.”

DailyExpress exclusively learnt that the book (Think You Can) has been evaluated and approved by the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) for inclusion in the national syllabus and use at all levels of lower and upper secondary education.

Gen Katumba Wamala, the Minister of Works and Transport (who himself is an author) presided over the book launch as the Chief Guest and bought the first copy at Two Million Shillings (Shs2m).

In his speech, Gen Katumba was full of praise for Mawanda whose books he said will motivate the youths and help change their mindset for brighter careers.

“I thank the author for writing a book which motivates others. Think you can but if you don’t, you won’t manage. Whatever you see as a challenge, it will be no more if you think you are capable. Everything you can achieve begins with your thinking,” Gen Katumba said.

“This book is an inspiration to many and the reward will come from heaven. I encourage you not to stop on what you have started. Every one of us has a story to tell. Don’t understate your story. It is an inspiration to someone out there,” he added.

Gen Katumba warned Ugandans of the uncontrollable gree which he said has killed Uganda, and called for actionable efforts to save the situation.

“You are talking about corruption but what brings it is because people moved away from need to greed. It is not need but greed. You have an apartment here and there, where are you going to take all of them? If you get a job, respect it and work diligently Don’t rush to get rich,” Gen Katumba urged the listening audience.

“Many of us are old soon leaving the country soon but what kind do we leave behind? Many times, we blame the police officers for taking small amounts of bribes but we forget the officials who steal billions and billions.”

The Minister ended his remarks by rallying Ugandans to author as many books as possible as a way of sharing knowledge with others saying books shouldn’t only be about what has been learnt at school but also about one’s experiences where others who could have given up can draw inspiration.

“Encourage other people to write their books. Each one of us has a story. By writing this book, you have acted like a candle when it lights others, the light doesn’t go out. You have not been selfish but shared your knowledge with others and don’t stop.”

The Book launch was also attended by other notable guests including; Major Herbert Ndiwalana, Frank Kabushenga, the Managing Director at TFK-Luminary Investments Co. Ltd, Dr Lina Zedriga a Rights Activist and Politician, Bigsma Carstine Kisakye, among others.