The Mandela Awards Commission has honoured Jane Frances Acilo Nkya, founder and executive director of the Jane Acilo Foundation.She was recognised for her lifelong commitment to restoring dignity and creating sustainable pathways for empowerment among women, youth, and marginalised communities. Acilo, a former student in South Africa, was recognised for her work spanning education, economic empowerment, health awareness, and social protection, efforts that combine immediate relief with long-term transformation. She was described as a visionary humanitarian and community development leader whose work continues to impact lives across Africa. The award was presented during a dinner ceremony at Park Hyatt Hotel, Johannesburg. In a specially recorded message, Fikile Mbalula, secretary-general of the African National Congress, congratulated Acilo for her exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to service. He noted that her work reflects the core values championed by former President Nelson Mandela. Mbalula emphasised that leaders like Acilo are vital in advancing social justice, inclusive development, and community empowerment across the continent, describing her as a true embodiment of legacy leadership. The award was presented by Ndileka Mandela, co-founder and chairperson of the Mandela Awards Commission and the eldest granddaughter of Nelson Mandela. Receiving the accolade, Acilo described it 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. “I knew, absolutely knew, my calling was to work with people. This award reaffirms that we are on the right path. It emboldens us to reach further and continue working tirelessly with the communities we serve. Our strength lies in unity, our progress in collaboration, and our future in a shared vision for an empowered Africa.” Acilo also paid tribute to her mother through the Dr Caroline Abeja Education Grant, an initiative supporting disadvantaged girls in Northern Uganda. “This award, recognising legacy, helps to cement my mother’s legacy; it is profoundly personal,” she said. Her work in education and healthcare continues to yield impact, including medical outreach programmes in underserved communities such as Oyam district. Uganda’s Head of Mission to South Africa, Paul Amoru, commended the Mandela Awards Commission for recognising excellence in the spirit of Nelson Mandela and hailed Acilo as “an extraordinary daughter of Uganda.” He added that her journey is a reminder that true leadership is defined not by titles, but by the positive difference one makes in the lives of others.The post Mandela Awards Commission honours Uganda’s Acilo Nkya for global humanitarian impact appeared first on The Observer.