Jacqueline Asiimwe - Chief Executive Officer, CivSource Africa
The current CEO of CivSource Africa, Jacqueline Asiimwe, a leading philanthropy advisor and human rights lawyer from Uganda, is set to be an important speaker at the 9th East Africa Philanthropy Network (EAPN) Conference.
Asiimwe’s deep knowledge and unique perspective are expected to significantly shape important discussions about local giving, influencing how people think about philanthropy and the future of African giving.
Her role at the gathering is a natural fit, as her work focuses on reshaping how philanthropy is practiced and seen in African contexts, especially within communities often overlooked by traditional aid models.
Educational and Legal Foundation
Asiimwe holds a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre in Kampala, and a Master of Laws from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C.
Her legal training laid the groundwork for a lifelong career in advocacy, leadership, and development.
Longstanding Commitment to Social Justice
Her professional journey began with volunteer work at the Uganda chapter of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) while still an undergraduate.
She later served as an advocacy officer at the Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET), where she worked closely with women facing domestic violence, maintenance disputes, and sexual abuse.
Between 2007 and 2009, she served as Deputy Programme and Advocacy Manager for the European Union–funded Civil Society Capacity Building Programme.
Her leadership trajectory includes roles as CEO of UWONET, Fellow in the Women’s Rights Division at Human Rights Watch, and Country Manager for Wellspring Advisors.
Her work cuts across sectors and borders, always grounded in values of justice, dignity, and community agency.
Leading CivSource Africa
As CEO of CivSource Africa, she is committed to reshaping the practice of philanthropy across Africa through locally grounded, African-led approaches.
At the heart of CivSource Africa’s work is the African philosophy of Ubuntu—“I am because we are”—which underscores values of collective strength, shared humanity, and community resilience.
The organization champions African-led giving, supports community-driven development, and works to reshape dominant narratives around generosity and philanthropy.
Its core service include;
1. Grant Management & Strategic Advisory
CivSource Africa provides tailored grant management services that include administrative support, financial reporting, and program coordination. Their approach ensures that resources are used effectively and transparently, aligning donor expectations with ground-level realities. They also offer strategic advisory services, helping funders design more context-aware, impactful interventions.
2. Strengthening Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
The organization works closely with CSOs to assess their capacities and identify areas for growth. Through targeted technical support and peer learning, CivSource helps these organizations build stronger systems and leadership.
3. Narrative Shaping and Storytelling
CivSource Africa trains storytellers and community actors to document and share experiences of generosity, resilience, and impact. By partnering with youth and artists, they challenge narrow definitions of giving and uplift diverse expressions of African-led change.
Why Her Presence Matters
As both a keynote speaker and EAPN Chair, Asiimwe’s participation in the Kigali conference carries weight. Her lived experience and professional journey give her a unique perspective on how philanthropy can be reimagined from the ground up.
She brings to the table a belief that giving is not only about resources, but also about identity and shared responsibility. Her voice is expected to shape key conversations on local ownership, equity, and the future of African philanthropy.
About 9th EAPN Confrence
The 9th East Africa Philanthropy Conference, themed “Agile Philanthropy: Adapting to Economic, Social, and Political Shifts,” aims to explore how philanthropy can remain relevant and resilient amid global change.
It will focus on strengthening multi-sectoral collaboration, navigating policy and regulatory environments, promoting inclusive and locally-led funding models, and embracing innovative financing and digital technologies.
The conference provides a platform for stakeholders to reflect, strategize, and co-create solutions that ensure philanthropy effectively supports sustainable development across the region.
