A former Ugandan parliamentarian forced to flee his homeland is being honoured by Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) for improving the lives of others in Surrey and beyond.
Amos Kambere, a former refugee and teacher lauded for his work supporting newcomers to Canada, particularly those at risk of marginalization, will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws during convocation ceremonies at KPU Surrey on Feb. 25.
“This honorary degree conferred upon me underscores the importance of community engagement and the impact that education provided by KPU has on transforming lives," says Kambere.
Forced to leave Uganda following a coup d'état in 1985, Kambere, the youngest member of the Ugandan parliament, eventually found his way to Canada in 1992 with his wife Edith, their four boys and little more than $5 in their pockets.
While the ensuing years were not easy, Kambere and his family navigated this new culture and community, sharing what they learned with other newcomer families, talking about how to make the most of their new lives in Surrey. This was the genesis of Umoja.
Founded in 2002, the Umoja Operation Compassion Society is a not-for-profit organization focused on supporting newcomer immigrants and refugees living in Surrey. Umoja, the Swahili term for unity or oneness, seeks to empower immigrants and refugees to successfully integrate into an inclusive Canadian society. Amos served as volunteer executive director while working full-time at Canada Post.
“The passion that Amos brought to his work as the executive director of Umoja Operation Compassion Society was palpable,” says Dr. Alan Davis, President and Vice-Chancellor at KPU. “He has taken great pride in building the bridges required to help members of diaspora communities not only make their homes here, but also to enhance and improve life in Surrey for all its residents.”
One major support comes in the form of education with Umoja offering vocational skills training, adult literacy, future leaders youth programs, post-secondary scholarships and more. This commitment to education extends far beyond Surrey. In 2007, after raising money through bottle drives, Umoja created the Rwentutu Christian Community School in Uganda.
Kambere served on KPU’s Board of Governors from 2018 to 2024, during which time he was chair of the Governance Committee and vice-chair of the Human Resources Committee. Kambere was valued for his thoughtful approach to decision-making and unique perspective as an active member of a diaspora community in Surrey, providing the board with insight into the needs of newcomers, including KPU’s international students.
"KPU as an institution of higher learning is mandated to fulfill its social responsibility and strengthen long-term sustainability and growth around the surrounding communities," says Kambere.
Kambere holds a Bachelor of Education degree from Kyambogo University Kampala Uganda and leadership certificates from Vancouver Community College and British Columbia Institute of Technology.