[Photograph of John Halani speaking at an event organized by the Committee for the Racial Justice and the Greater Vancouver Citizenship Council in Vancouver]

Photograph of John Halani speaking at an honorary event organized by the Committee for Racial Justice in coordination with Greater Vancouver Citizenship Council, held at the Samosa Garden in Vancouver, B.C.

John Halani was a hotelier in Vancouver, British Columbia (B.C.) born in Masaka, Uganda. Halani came to B.C. in 1972 after escaping the persecution of the Idi Amin regime in Uganda. Halani, a 35-year-old business owner, had his assets confiscated by the Amin regime as he was leaving Uganda. His first job in Vancouver was with a glass company, from there he was able to lease out the Robsontrasse hotel in downtown Vancouver. By 1975, Halani was running the Tropicana Hotel across the street. Halani had an active political career, including being named honorary consul for Uganda in B.C., and was involved with the Immigrant Services Society of B.C. and other advocacy groups. He also served on multiple community boards, including as chair of the Ethno Business Council.

Samosa Garden was an Ismaili-owned restaurant located on Kingsway in East Vancouver, B.C.