Jane Acilo and Thembekile Mandela Foundations sign MoU for community development

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The Thembekile Mandela Foundation and the Jane Acilo Foundation have formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a high-level dinner held in Kampala.

The MoU establishes a collaborative framework grounded in a shared vision to expand community impact and strengthen systems that promote dignity and opportunity.

The event held at Mestil Hotel on Thursday (April 23) convened distinguished guests, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners, and the media, highlighting the importance of cross-sector collaboration in tackling the continent’s most pressing challenges.

Through this partnership, both organisations will work together to advance development initiatives, build leadership capacity, and promote access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and social protection. The collaboration will also deepen Pan-African cooperation and enhance global engagement.

The deal marks the start of a strategic partnership focused on advancing sustainable development, social justice, and community empowerment across Africa and beyond.

It also builds on the recent recognition of Jane Frances Acilo by the Mandela Awards Commission, where she received the prestigious Legacy Award for Philanthropic Excellence and Transformational Leadership, further affirming her dedication to community-driven change.

Ndileka Mandela, Co-Founder of the Thembekile Mandela Foundation, Chairperson of the Mandela Awards Commission, and the first granddaughter of Nelson Mandela, highlighted that the Memorandum of Understanding represents more than a formal agreement and a commitment to action.

“It reflects our shared belief that meaningful change is achieved through collaboration, where leadership is rooted in service and impact. Through this partnership, we reaffirm our commitment to honouring legacy not just in words, but through tangible efforts that uplift communities and advance dignity, opportunity, and hope across Africa,” she noted.

The Jane Acilo Foundation is a community-centred organisation committed to restoring dignity and creating sustainable opportunities for women, youth, and marginalised populations.

Its work spans education, economic empowerment, health awareness, and social protection, providing both immediate support and long-term transformation in underserved communities.

“My experience working with the community, mostly in Oyam, gives me better experience and confidence that we shall deliver on our mandate as stipulated in the partnership,” Acilo said.

The Mandela Awards Commission is an international initiative dedicated to recognising exceptional leadership and service to humanity. Inspired by the enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela, the Commission honours individuals whose work has advanced peace, human dignity, diplomacy, innovation, and sustainable development worldwide.

Its recipients include global leaders, heads of state, public officials, diplomats, philanthropists, scholars, and change-makers whose contributions have created a lasting impact.

Through its recognition programs and strategic engagements, the Commission aims not only to celebrate excellence but also to inspire future generations to uphold the values of compassion, justice, collaboration, and service.