The extraordinary life of Denis Okwera 

When I sit down to chat with Dennis, he’s just returned from an early morning cycle, he is squeezing in as many rides as he can before heading to Uganda. “I’m a bit nervous,” he admits, “because I’m practising on my own in London. It’s not as fun as the group cycling that is happening in Ireland.” Later this week he’ll embark on a gruelling 300-kilometer journey, cycling from Jinja to Lumule, Uganda, to raise funds for a desperately needed hospital in his community. “This bike ride is to build a medical centre in the village,” he explains. “We’ve got incredible children who are now being educated in our school, but we’re still losing children quite unnecessarily to basic diseases. Malaria, typhoid, cholera – they shouldn’t be taking children’s lives.”

Born in Uganda, Dennis survived the horrors of war and displacement as a child. He tells me, “My childhood was about survival. I grew up narrowly avoiding abductions by rebels. Close family members were not so lucky. They took so many boys as child soldiers, and many were never seen again.” Astonishingly, amidst this adversity, Denis found strength. Years later, after forging a new path in the UK, including a successful career as a model walking the runways of Paris and Milan, his heart never left Lumule, the village he once called home.

Denis channelled his success into tangible change, building a school that now proudly educates and feeds over 1,000 students daily. “The children are getting an education, but that is no use if they are dying,” he says, his voice now taking an urgent tone. “We lost four children last year in my village to diseases that could have been prevented. That shouldn’t happen.” This mission led to the creation of the Lumule Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to providing education, healthcare, and sustainable development.

Dennis’s grandmother, his “rock”, inspired him with her unwavering kindness and resilience. “She’s always been there, and she’s always taught me kindness,” he recalls. He hopes to create a safe, loving environment for children, fostering the next generation of African leaders. “Africa needs better leaders,” he asserts. “Without educating the leaders of tomorrow, we will never move forward.” 

Recognising that true change happens through collaboration, Okwera partnered with the recently launched Kyne Foundation, co-founded by David and Jacqueline Kyne. “We believe disconnection is a silent epidemic,” says David Kyne. For Okwera, this philosophy resonates deeply. “When you’ve lost everything, you understand the power of human connection and community, it’s everything,” he says. 

Cycling for change

This summer’s cycle from Jinja to Lumule is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a symbol of resilience and perseverance. “Cycling for change, bringing a medical health facility is going to be the biggest game changer that’s ever happened in my community,” Dennis states. The nearest hospital is a distant and often inaccessible resource. “You could wait two days to see a doctor,” he explains.

Dennis’s vision extends beyond the immediate needs of healthcare and education. He dreams of a sports centre, a place of unity and healing. “I want to build a memorial space for all of the six to 6,000 children that were abducted and never returned,” he shares, his voice heavy. “They need to be remembered.”

Above all, Dennis Okwera emphasises the power of love and community. “I tell some of the people in my village, just being a father or being a mother alone is not enough. You need to give real love to these kids,” he says. “I was lucky. My grandma gave me that, and also instilled in me to give love and kindness to other people.”

His ultimate hope is that his journey will inspire others to act. “Real change happens when people come together,” he concludes. “If my journey can inspire even one person to get involved, then it’s worth every mile.”

To follow Dennis Okwera’s journey, and support his upcoming cycle, visit the Kyne Foundation and Lumule Foundation.