From Addis to the Pitch: How Dennis Kibiye fuses diplomacy and football

At the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Dennis Kibiye seamlessly balances two distinct worlds—his diplomatic responsibilities and his enduring passion for sports.

As both an AU official and captain of the East African team preparing for the upcoming Diplomats World Cup in Addis Ababa, Kibiye exemplifies a rare blend of professionalism and athletic dedication.

Born in Tindalu, Iganga District, to Flora and Lt. Fredrick Mulwanyi, Kibiye has carved out a distinguished career as a technology advisor at the African Union. He holds a Master’s degree in Information Systems and a Bachelor’s in Computer Science.

A devoted husband and father of three, Kibiye’s love for sports runs as deep as his commitment to family and public service.

He fondly cites German football legend Oliver Kahn as one of his greatest inspirations, referring to him as a “brain-eating Sistrio” for his fierce goalkeeping prowess.

Kibiye’s sporting journey began in his school days—first at Namilyango Junior Boys School, then Namilyango College, and later at Makerere University. He proudly represented his schools on the football field, an experience that cemented his lifelong passion for the game.

In his diplomatic role, Kibiye actively supports Ugandan athletes passing through Addis Ababa. Many are unfamiliar with the necessary procedures or offices, and Kibiye often steps in to guide or advocate for them. His position allows him to serve as a vital bridge between athletes and the support systems they need.

He speaks with admiration about Ethiopia’s dominance in long-distance running, citing legends like Haile Gebrselassie, Kenenisa Bekele, Derartu Tulu, and Meseret Defar. According to Kibiye, their success is rooted in rigorous training in high-altitude environments—unlike many Ugandan athletes who train in urban settings. He believes Uganda can replicate this success by investing in highland regions like Bukwo and Kween, which offer similar terrain and elevation.

When asked why he hasn’t shared these insights with Ugandan sports authorities, Kibiye expresses frustration. He feels that many leaders are either inaccessible or unaware of the support professionals like him can offer. Still, he remains open and eager to contribute to the growth of Uganda’s sports industry—if the right channels are opened.

Kibiye also highlights the funding challenges facing Ugandan sports. While the National Council of Sports receives over sh30 billion annually—much of it allocated to FUFA—he points to Kenya’s alternative model. Kenya’s Sports, Arts, and Social Development Fund received KSh 30.3 billion (sh1.09 trillion) in 2021. He also references countries like Britain, Australia, France, and Denmark, which invest heavily in athletes based on performance and medal potential.

To Kibiye, Uganda must broaden its approach to sports funding—by attracting private investment, ensuring financial transparency, strengthening regulations, and learning from more successful nations. He also emphasizes the need to professionalize sports leadership and elevate the industry’s visibility.

On the field, Kibiye remains actively involved. He closely follows Ugandan players in the Ethiopian league, including Charles Lukwago of Hawassa City FC. While Ethiopian clubs value foreign talent, he notes growing concerns among locals that high-paying contracts for foreign players may hinder the development of homegrown talent.

Beyond his professional commitments, Kibiye maintains a physically active lifestyle. He recently played for the Prostat Academy’s parents' team in a friendly match against Tanzanian coaches. His connection to the academy is personal—his children Denise, Demison, and Edanisa are all enrolled there. Despite a demanding schedule, he prioritizes physical activity, including running, cycling, swimming, and daily workouts. He dedicates two days a week to football, underscoring his belief that health and sports go hand-in-hand.