Acilo scoops Global Humanitarian accolade

JOHANNESBURG - The Mandela Awards Commission has commended Jane Frances Acilo, the founder and executive director of the Jane Acilo Foundation, for dedicating her life to restoring dignity and creating sustainable pathways for empowerment of women, youth, and marginalised communities.

According to Ndileka Mandela, Co-Founder and Chairperson of the Mandela Awards Commission, Acilo’s work spans education, economic empowerment, health awareness, and social protection, delivering both immediate relief and long-term transformation.

These citations were read as Jane Frances Acilo was honored with the Global Humanitarian Award during the celebration of Purpose, Humanity, and Transformative Impact ceremony held at Park Hyatt Hotel, Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa.

At an event defined by elegance, diplomacy, and profound purpose, the Mandela Awards Commission hosted a distinguished Awards Ceremony honouring Acilo’s visionary humanitarian and community development leader, whose work continues to transform lives across Africa.

Held under the powerful theme “Legacy Leadership Service Global Impact,” the ceremony brought together an esteemed assembly of diplomats, policymakers, business leaders, and an influential Ugandan delegation, marking a moment of continental pride and global recognition.

Guided by the timeless values of Nelson Mandela, the evening reflected a deeper truth that leadership is not measured by status, but by service; not by recognition, but by impact.

Fikile Mbalula, Secretary-General of the African National Congress, in his address, congratulated and commended Acilo Nkya for her exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to service, noting that her work reflects the very values championed by Nelson Mandela.

“Leaders such as Acilo Nkya are vital in advancing social justice, inclusive development, and community empowerment across the African continent. She is a true embodiment of legacy leadership in action,” Mbalula noted.

His message reinforced the importance of recognising individuals whose work not only uplifts communities but also strengthens the moral and developmental fabric of society.

In her compelling acceptance address, Acilo Nkya reflected on her journey with humility and conviction:

“To receive this prestigious award is not merely an honour; it is a powerful affirmation, a sacred trust. From my time as a student in South Africa and her grassroots work in Uganda, I knew absolutely that my calling was to work with people,” Acilo said.

Her words resonated deeply, reinforcing the essence of purpose-driven leadership rooted in service. She further reflected on the broader significance of the recognition:

“This award is a reaffirmation that we are on the right path; it emboldens us to reach further and continue working tirelessly with the communities we serve.”

The presence of ambassadors, High Commissioners, business leaders, and international guests reinforced the Mandela Awards Commission’s position as a global platform celebrating leadership that transcends borders.

As the world continues to navigate complex challenges, the Mandela Awards Commission remains a beacon of recognition honoring those who lead with purpose and shaping a future grounded in dignity, justice, and humanity.

In the timeless words of Nelson Mandela: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived, it is what difference we have made to the lives of others.”