Jane Frances Acilo

I am deeply honoured and humbled to have received the Mandela Award for Legacy Leadership, Service & Global Impact from the Mandela Awards Commission on 10 April 2026 in Johannesburg. This moment, held at Park Hyatt Johannesburg, was more than a recognition; it was a powerful reminder of purpose. My journey has always been rooted in people. In communities. In the belief that sustainable change begins with dignity, opportunity, and shared responsibility. Through the Jane Acilo Foundation, we have worked to empower women, support young people, and create pathways for long-term transformation. This award affirms that the work matters,but more importantly, that the work must continue. I carry this recognition with humility, and as a renewed commitment to serve even more intentionally. Because true leadership is not about recognition, it is about impact. #Leadership #Purpose #GlobalImpact #Africa #Service

KAMPALA – The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has declared full readiness for the swearing-in of President-elect H.E. @KagutaMuseveni, with at least 30 international delegations confirming attendance for the May 12 ceremony at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre on Tuesday, NRM Secretary General, Rt Hon. @TodwongR, said preparations are in advanced stages, with the party working closely with the government through the National Organising Committee to ensure a successful and memorable event. “We are here to announce a very important function where we shall be swearing in our President-elect. This has been on the national calendar, and Ugandans have been waiting for it,” Todwong said, commending the government for what he described as “well-elaborated preparation and guidance,” Todwong said. Read More: nrm.ug/news/all-set-m…

Yesterday, in Kampala, we officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Thembekile Mandela Foundation and the Jane Acilo Foundation.This partnership shares values around dignity, service, and long-term impact, with a clear focus on expanding access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity across communities. It’s a meaningful step forward, and the real work begins now.

"Our work is grounded in education, health, empowerment, and inclusion, but more importantly, in action".@mandela_ndileka This is not a symbolic agreement. It is a commitment to expand scholarships, mentorship, and digital learning so that no child is denied opportunity. To strengthen healthcare outreach, mental health awareness, and community resilience. To champion women and girls through dignity, equity, and economic inclusion.It is also about investing in leadership, preparing young people to lead Africa with courage, integrity, and excellence. This is Pan-Africanism in practice, rooted in shared solutions, shared responsibility, and a long-term vision for real impact.

We extend special appreciation to the Government of Morocco, through its Honorary Consul to Uganda, Mr.George Nkya, for reaffirming their commitment to advancing agricultural initiatives and for the generous pledge of ten university scholarships each year. This kind of partnership reflects the true spirit of shared progress and responsibility. We also recognise the importance of corporate social responsibility in driving sustainable impact, and we are encouraged by partners who continue to invest in communities in meaningful ways.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who stood with us yesterday. Partners, friends, the diplomatic community, and the wider family that continues to walk this journey with us. Your presence and belief in this work mean a great deal to me. They strengthen what we are building and remind us that this mission is shared. Thank you for showing up and for believing in the work.

Mandela, Acilo foundations sign pact to advance African devt bit.ly/4d7iutd #MonitorUpdates

PHOTOS: Ndileka Mandela, granddaughter of former South African President Nelson Mandela and founder of the Thembekile Mandela Foundation, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Susan Novela and Ugandan philanthropist Jane Frances Acilo to launch joint programmes aimed at empowering women, youth, and single mothers through education, health, and economic support. The agreement, signed in Kampala last evening, will see the partners roll out initiatives inspired by Pan-African values of equality, justice, and fairness. Ndileka said the partnership with the Jane Acilo Foundation was motivated by its work supporting underprivileged women and youth in Oyam District through scholarships and skills development. She added that the Mandela Foundation currently works with embassies and corporate partners to support over 15,000 underprivileged women and aims to extend similar programmes to Uganda and other countries. #MonitorUpdates 📸: Stephen Otage

A new Day a new Dawn #janeacilofoundation

🚨 NEWS UPDATES 🚨 Adolescent Girls in Oyam Speak Out on Reproductive Health Rights. Adolescent girls from across Oyam District have today taken centre stage in a powerful dialogue on sexual and reproductive health rights, calling for greater support, understanding, and empowerment from families and communities. The engagement, held at Rainbow Hotel, brought together young girls in an open and interactive session aimed at amplifying their voices and addressing the challenges they face. The discussion was led by Sister Sidonia Akello, Assistant District Health Officer Oyam district, who guided participants through critical issues surrounding their health rights, access to services, and informed decision-making. Unlike traditional workshops, the session created a safe space for adolescent girls to openly share experiences, concerns, and solutions. Many participants emphasized the urgent need for a shift in parental attitudes, particularly when girls face unintended pregnancies. One participant, Scovia, stressed the importance of compassion, urging parents to support rather than stigmatize their daughters. She noted that harsh treatment often worsens the situation, pushing girls into isolation and fear. Echoing similar concerns, Auma Beatrice called for respectful and open communication within families. She highlighted that when parents engage their daughters positively, it reduces the likelihood of unsafe decisions such as abortion, which often stem from panic and lack of guidance. The girls also made a strong appeal to development partners and organizations to go beyond awareness campaigns and invest in practical support. They emphasized the need for life skills training, economic empowerment, and psychosocial support for adolescent mothers to enable them to care for their children and rebuild their futures. Organized by @jane_acilofdtn in partnership with the daughter to Late Nelson Mandela, Ndileka Mandela, founder of @TMFSOUTHAFRICA, the event underscores a growing recognition that adolescent girls must not only be protected but actively involved in shaping the policies and programs that affect their lives. As the dialogue continues, the voices from Oyam send a clear message: empowering adolescent girls with knowledge, dignity, and support is not optional. It is essential for building healthier families and stronger communities. 📷 @CalvinOtimD

Happy Birthday, Jane Acílo, Vice President of the Namuwongo Blazers! 🥳 Your dedication and leadership mean so much to the Namuwongo Blazers family. Wishing you a year filled with success, joy, and great moments, keep leading the way! ❤️🤍 #RespectTheBlazer

Woke up a year older today, feeling truly grateful for the opportunities in my life and the progress I’m making each day to create a positive impact in my community. Here’s to growth, purpose, and the journey ahead

Ndileka Mandela, granddaughter of former South African President Nelson Mandela, through her Thembekile Mandela Foundation (@TMFSOUTHAFRICA) has pledged a "long-term partnership" with Jane Acilo Foundation @jane_acilofdtn of Uganda. Mandela, who is in the Pearl of Africa, met with young women and girls of Oyam town council who turned up for a dialogue on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) at Rainbow Hotel in Oyam town. #tndNews #tndNewsAt13

Update. 🚨 We are very proud to announce that the @jane_acilofdtn has partnered with the @TMFSOUTHAFRICA to tackle the urgent sexual and reproductive health crisis in Oyam District and across Uganda. This partnership is more than just a collaboration as it is a unified mission to break the silence, provide essential SRH education, and ensure that every young person has the resources they need to thrive. By combining expertise and grassroots reach through the two reputable organizations, commitment to transforming lives and advocating for the fundamental health rights of youths is the ultimate goal. @Jacilo2 @mandela_ndileka #Oromatv #943RadioQfmUpdates #JaneAciloFoundation #MandelaFoundation #SRHR #UgandaHealth #Oyam #PublicHealth #Empowerment #HealthcareAccess #Partnership

Earlier today. 🚨 The first grand daughter to Nelson Mandela @mandela_ndileka speech today in Oyam district restored hope and believe among the youth of Oyam district in a remarkable move that saw @jane_acilofdtn and @TMFSOUTHAFRICA partnered to inspire male and female youths of Oyam to strive beyond the dire state of Sexual reproductive health challenges in the country. @Jacilo2 @ngoforum #943RadioQfmUpdates #Oromatv #JaneAcilo #NdilekaMandela #PublicHealth #YouthEmpowerment

Today in Oyam, I had the honor of hosting Ms. @mandela_ndileka Co-Founder and Programs Director of the Thembekile Mandela Foundation.Through my work with the @jane_acilofdtn , we convened a dialogue bringing together adolescent girls and women to openly engage on sexual and reproductive health and rights discussions. Our collaboration with the Thembekile Mandela Foundation will continue to create safe spaces where young women can learn, speak, and grow with confidence. I’m also grateful for the presence of the district’s technical leadership, represented by the Chief Administrative Officer and the District Health Officer, for their continued support in strengthening community impact.