Organizing Committee
Christopher Nkambwe
Christopher Nkambwe is a Human Rights defender and a community advocate from Uganda. who arrived in Canada on the 1st June 2019 and started the journey as a refugee claimant in the city of Toronto-Canada and is a Women Deliver Young Leader in a class of 2018.
Christopher is the founder of The African Centre for Refugees in Ontario-Canada and in October 15th, 2019; Christopher successfully registered The African Centre for Refugees in Ontario Canada, a charity organization that supports vulnerable LGBTIQ refugees from the African Continent and the Caribbean and is currently serving on the Board of The Ontario Council for Agencies Serving Immigrants as the Toronto Regional Director.
Christopher was honored with the Steinert and Ferreiro Award, Canada’s largest single cash award in recognition of LGBTIQ leadership, The Jack Layton Activism Award, Marie Lapuz Youth Leadership Award and The Roots Legacy Award in 2026.
Currently, Christopher is the Board Chairperson of Royal Rays Initiative Uganda an organization that is devoted to providing free services and empowerment that build self-sufficiency to LGBTIQ people in Uganda.
Dr. Siu Mee Cheng
Dr. Siu Mee Cheng possesses over 25 years of leadership experience in the health and social services sectors and governments at the local, provincial and national levels in Canada, and has worked on critical health and social policy and care issues including working across the care continuum, food insecurity, housing security, women’s issues, public health and poverty reduction. She has provided transformative leadership for organizations that have operated at the point of intersection of key health and social issues that have impacted vulnerable populations including women, newcomers, older adults, low-income individuals, individuals with mental health and addictions and the homeless, to name a few.
With knowledge and expertise gained from her work experience and her doctoral research on integrated health and social care for vulnerable populations, Dr. Cheng is dedicated to improving conditions for society’s most vulnerable through leadership, advocacy, research and volunteerism. Dr. Cheng has been recognized for her contributions towards society including being named WXN 2023 Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada (Community Impact) and the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her efforts in supporting those in most in need. Dr. Cheng possesses a PhD (from Toronto Metropolitan University in policy studies), with additional training in public health and community health, and is a Certified Health Executive Member with the Canadian College of Health Leaders. She has offered up thought leadership on critical health, social care and policy issues through research publications and presentations at national and international conferences. Dr. Cheng is also a sessional instructor for the Faculty of Arts, Ted Rogers School of Management and the Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education at TMU.
Justus Bukenya
Justus Bukenya is a seasoned social worker with over 8 years of experience in addressing critical health and social justice issues, including housing, employment, and inclusion. His expertise has been instrumental in shaping programs that promote social change and empowerment. Currently, as the Programs Director at the African Centre for Refugees in Ontario, Canada, Justus is dedicated to designing and implementing initiatives that support and uplift refugees, asylum seekers, and other marginalized communities.
His work focuses on creating sustainable solutions that foster inclusion, equity, and social justice. Through his leadership, Justus aims to bridge the gaps in social services and create a more inclusive society for all.
Cindy Diallo
Cindy Diallo has been a Volunteer with the African Center for Refugees in Ontario since 2023. Passionate about immigrant and refugee advocacy, she aims to deepen her commitment to outreach and support for LGBTQIA+ African refugees. She has supported the organization of major conferences, including the Africa-Canada International Convention on Human Rights (August 2023) and the 2nd Annual National Conference for Newcomers in Canada (September 2023), focused on human rights and newcomer integration.
4th Africa-Canada International Convention on Human Rights Promotion, hosted by the African Centre for Refugees in Ontario.
September 23rd – 26th, 2026 | Toronto, Canada