John Kabuye is an IT and Maths Lecturer and was recently elected Councillor for Newport Ward, Middlesbrough. He and his wife Irene run the Ubuntu Multicultural Centre on Clifton Street in Middlesbrough town centre, which has won a community award at Middlesbrough Council’s Civic Awards. The centre offers a range of services, from an eco shop where visitors can buy ten items for £2 to language support, help with IT and job applications. 

John wanted to get involved in community work because he wanted to be a role model. The couple passionately believe that only when people of different ethnicities and life experiences work together, will Middlesbrough fully realise its potential. It is John’s firm view that the town is becoming more diverse and vibrant, but that the pace of change could and should be more rapid.