Dennis Okwera
Model, Actor and Philantropist
What does sustainability mean to you?
To me sustainability means living consciously and going for the alternative rather than fast fashion.
What measures do you try to take, both professionally and personally, to be more sustainable?
I’ve been buying more consciously and wearing a lot more pre-owned. I am also recycling anything I possibly can, and I have dramatically reduced single use plastics.
In your opinion, what changes can be made in the world of fashion towards becoming a more sustainable industry?
It’s so important that the fashion industry recognises the impact it plays in the climate crisis. The relentless fast fashion is being manufactured and consumed with devastating effects on the environment - a massive reduction is desperately needed.
How do your thoughts on sustainability influence what you purchase, particularly in regards to your wardrobe?
I buy really consciously now and make sure whatever pieces I buy, I’m able to wear them for a long time and can easily incorporate them with most of my wardrobe.
We would love to hear more about your project - The Lumule Foundation?
I was born in Uganda and immigrated to the UK when I was young. Most of my family still lives in Uganda, in towns that have been damaged due to years of civil unrest. I do all that I can to support them by sending money, clothing, and female sanitary items amongst other things.
I realise how lucky I am to have had the opportunities that have been presented to me throughout my life. Thanks to my career in modelling and acting I now have a public voice that I can use to help make a change beyond what I have been doing for my family. I want to give back to the community and help others who are in need of love and support.
The area of focus is the town of Lumule within the Kitgum district. It is my birth town which was ripped apart by Civil War. People are now starting to return there from the displaced people camps in order to rebuild their destroyed homes.
The first project I would like to undertake is to rebuild their only primary school. The current school has about 804 pupils, but it is in ruins. Some classrooms do not have a roof and most do not have doors or windows.
The second project is to build a community centre for all ages to learn life skills and teach Personal, Social, Health & economics (PSHE) and support with mental health.
The third project is to build a new borehole and repair the current one as is only one for the whole community and it is in poor condition.
I am currently working on setting up the charity to support the resources needed to make these projects a reality. Until then, I continue to support my family and community in any way that I can.
Photographed by @alexbramall
Styled by @nataliewj
Make-up @victoriabond007
Hair @khairstudio
Styling assistant @conor.bond
Photo team @mfurlonger @john_munro @bobjamesself