Officials display signed copies of the MoU at a news conference held in Kampala on April 23
By Our Reporter
KAMPALA — A new partnership aimed at strengthening community development and expanding social impact has been formalized in Uganda, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Thembekile Mandela Foundation and the Jane Acilo Foundation.
The agreement, signed during a high-level press briefing in Kampala on April 23, sets the stage for joint initiatives focused on improving access to essential services, strengthening leadership capacity, and promoting inclusive development.
Under the partnership, the two organizations will collaborate on programmes targeting education, healthcare, and social protection, while also advancing broader goals of social justice and sustainable development across Africa. The initiative further aims to deepen Pan-African cooperation and expand global engagement around community-driven solutions.
The event, held at Mestil Hotel, drew diplomats, development partners, and civil society leaders, underscoring the growing importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing the continent’s development challenges.
The partnership builds on the recent recognition of Jane Frances Acilo Nkya, who was awarded the Legacy Award for Philanthropic Excellence and Transformational Leadership by the Mandela Awards Commission.
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Officials display signed copies of the MoU at a news conference held in Kampala on April 23
By Our Reporter
KAMPALA — A new partnership aimed at strengthening community development and expanding social impact has been formalized in Uganda, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Thembekile Mandela Foundation and the Jane Acilo Foundation.
The agreement, signed during a high-level press briefing in Kampala on April 23, sets the stage for joint initiatives focused on improving access to essential services, strengthening leadership capacity, and promoting inclusive development.
Under the partnership, the two organizations will collaborate on programmes targeting education, healthcare, and social protection, while also advancing broader goals of social justice and sustainable development across Africa. The initiative further aims to deepen Pan-African cooperation and expand global engagement around community-driven solutions.
The event, held at Mestil Hotel, drew diplomats, development partners, and civil society leaders, underscoring the growing importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing the continent’s development challenges.
The partnership builds on the recent recognition of Jane Frances Acilo Nkya, who was awarded the Legacy Award for Philanthropic Excellence and Transformational Leadership by the Mandela Awards Commission.
Speaking at the event, Ndileka Mandela—co-founder of the Thembekile Mandela Foundation and chairperson of the Mandela Awards Commission—described the agreement as a commitment to meaningful action.
“This Memorandum of Understanding represents more than a formal agreement—it is a commitment to action,” she said. “It reflects our shared belief that meaningful change is achieved through collaboration, where leadership is rooted in service and impact.”
She added that the partnership seeks to honor legacy through tangible efforts that uplift communities and promote dignity, opportunity, and hope.
The Mandela Awards Commission, inspired by the legacy of Nelson Mandela, recognizes individuals and institutions that have made significant contributions to peace, human dignity, innovation, and sustainable development. Its honorees include global leaders, diplomats, scholars, and change-makers whose work has had lasting impact.
Meanwhile, the Jane Acilo Foundation continues to focus on grassroots interventions aimed at empowering women, youth, and marginalized groups. Its programmes span education, economic empowerment, health awareness, and social protection, with a strong emphasis on long-term community transformation.
Acilo noted that her experience working with communities—particularly in Oyam District—positions the partnership for success.
“This is not just about signing an MoU,” she said. “It is about building a partnership that creates real impact.”
The collaboration signals a renewed push toward coordinated efforts in tackling social and economic challenges, with both organizations expressing optimism about the potential to deliver lasting change across communities.
