Africa-Press – Uganda. The Mandela Awards Commission honoured Jane Frances Acilo Nkya at a distinguished ceremony held on April 10, 2026, at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Rosebank, Johannesburg, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to humanitarian work and community development.
Held under the theme, “Legacy Leadership, Service, Global Impact,” the event brought together diplomats, policymakers, business leaders, and an influential Ugandan delegation in a night marked by reflection on leadership rooted in service and impact.
Opening the ceremony, Commission Co-Founder and CEO Susan Novela welcomed guests, setting the tone for an evening dedicated to honouring individuals who embody courage, compassion, and transformative vision.
A key highlight of the event was a recorded message from Fikile Mbalula, Secretary-General of the African National Congress, who commended Acilo Nkya’s exemplary leadership and commitment to advancing social justice and community empowerment across the continent.
He described her as a true embodiment of legacy leadership, noting that individuals like her are critical in strengthening the moral and developmental fabric of African societies.
The ceremony also featured a keynote address and official citation delivered by Ndileka Mandela, granddaughter of Nelson Mandela and Co-Founder of the Commission.
Her tribute underscored the importance of carrying forward a legacy grounded in dignity, unity, and service.
At the centre of the evening was the presentation of the Mandela Award for Legacy Leadership, Service and Global Impact to Acilo Nkya, founder and executive director of the Jane Acilo Foundation.
Through her work, she has focused on education, economic empowerment, health awareness, and social protection, particularly for women, youth, and marginalised communities.
In her acceptance speech, Acilo Nkya described the award as both an honour and a responsibility.
“To receive this prestigious award is not merely an honour; it is a powerful affirmation, a sacred trust,” she said, reflecting on her journey from grassroots work in Uganda to continental recognition.
She emphasised the importance of unity and collective progress, stating: “Our strength lies in our unity, our progress in our collaboration, and our future in our shared vision for an empowered Africa.”
The award also carried personal significance, as she dedicated it to her late mother through the Dr Caroline Abeja Education Grant, an initiative supporting disadvantaged girls in Northern Uganda.
Her foundation’s ongoing work includes education support and medical outreach programmes in underserved communities such as Oyam District.
Uganda’s delegation was led by Paul Amoru, who hailed Acilo Nkya as “an extraordinary daughter of Uganda” and praised her for touching thousands of lives through her foundation’s initiatives.
He noted that her work serves as a reminder that true leadership is defined not by titles, but by the positive impact made in people’s lives, describing the recognition as a proud moment for both Uganda and the African continent.
The presence of ambassadors, high commissioners, and international guests highlighted the Commission’s growing role as a global platform for celebrating leadership that transcends borders.
The ceremony concluded with a formal dinner and networking session, leaving attendees inspired by the enduring power of service-driven leadership and the continued relevance of Nelson Mandela’s legacy in shaping a more just and humane world.
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