The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Dennis Onyango’s Liteside
Any three things we don’t know about you?
I am a very down-to-earth person because, coming from a very poor family, I recall growing up from other people’s kindness. There is, therefore, no need for me to be mean because you don’t know what the future holds. The same people can either build or break you.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Many things but it’s mostly my kids because with them around me, I am always smiling. I also hate being negative or having negative people around me because they just break others down.
What is your greatest fear?
I am scared of life after football because I am used to being active on the pitch but I must face it.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I always want to make everyone happy which is not good because it might not help them. I don’t like it because such a character doesn’t solve a problem.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Negative people cannot help you to grow.
Which living person do you most admire?
My brother Ivan Onyango has been there for me in all aspects. He advises me but he is also down-to-earth. He knows our struggles and always reminds me to be humble and kind to others.
What is your greatest extravagance?
I love cars because I grew up in a very poor family so if the opportunity is there, why not. My latest is a Jeep Grand Cherokee 2016.
What is the greatest thing you have ever done?
Bringing my family together and uniting it as one. I was raised in Kampala but had the opportunity to go to the village and reconcile the elders which eventually brought unity to the family. I am happy that my fame makes many people listen to and believe in me which helps bring many people together and closer.
What is your current state of mind?
I am always a happy person.
What does being powerful mean to you?
Power comes with making an impact on other people’s lives.
On what occasion do you lie?
I can tell a lie if it will save a situation but again it will haunt me so it’s better to tell the truth even when it might not be taken in good faith.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I don’t regret the way I was created or made.
Which living person do you most despise?
I don’t despise people.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Honesty to self and others.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Honesty and humility.
What or who is the greatest love of your life
My parents, Onyango Gabriel and Olivia Musoke.
When and where were you happiest
When I had my first born in 2007 because the love of a child is just amazing. Building my own house and eventually residing in it was also a happy moment knowing that I was raised in a single bed room house and now owning a spacious residential house.
Which talent would you most like to have?
That would be coaching.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Absolutely nothing.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I have achieved a lot in the world of sports which I can’t rank from biggest to smallest or vice versa.
Where would you most like to live?
I love Uganda because it is home and the people are friendly.
What is your most treasured possession?
Other things come after my house.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Poverty is something that you can overcome because I was there but terminal illnesses like cancer are beyond individual means to control.
What is your favorite occupation?
Soccer is my life and I don’t see myself anywhere outside football.
What do you most value in your friends?
Honesty and positive energy
Who are your favorite writers?
I focus on football writings so I don’t dwell more on the writers
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Nelson Mandela is one person who brought peace to many. I am also happy that I met him before his death
What is your greatest regret?
I have learnt never to regret in life but take lessons for a better tomorrow
How would you like to die?
I wouldn’t want to die in pain; if only I can just sleep and go.
What is your motto?
Never look down on yourself and always aim higher. Always look up to new challenges everyday.
