Jacqueline Asiimwe is a Ugandan lawyer, feminist, writer,and philanthropist whose influence extends far beyond national borders. As the founder and CEO of CivSource Africa, she has become one of the continent’s most respected voices in philanthropy and social justice, steering conversations on African-led giving, gender equality, and community resilience. A champion of women’s rights and decolonized philanthropy, her leadership blends legal expertise, a passion for storytelling, and a commitment to amplifying grassroots voices, making her a trailblazer who is redefining how Africa gives and how the world perceives it.
Forged in Advocacy, Elevated by Vision
Jacqueline Asiimwe’s journey into law and advocacy was rooted in early experiences of justice and resilience, shaping a career that would challenge norms and reframe narratives across the continent. She pursued legal studies at Makerere University, followed by a postgraduate diploma in legal practice at the Law Development Centre in Kampala, and later earned a Master of Laws at Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C.
Her roots in civil society began while still an undergraduate with the Uganda Association of Women Lawyers, followed by roles at the Uganda Women’s Network, leading to tenures as CEO of UWONET, a Human Rights Watch fellow, and deputy manager of an EU civil society capacity-building programme. She also played a leading role in the Black Monday Campaign, a bold civil society initiative that sought accountability and an end to corruption in Uganda. These early chapters set the tone for a career defined by equity, advocacy, and impact.
Architect of African Philanthropy
In 2017, Jacqueline founded CivSource Africa, a pioneering philanthropy advisory and support organization grounded in African values and led by local voices. Serving as its CEO and with over 25 years in the field, including 15 in leadership, she has grown the organization into a continent-wide force for reimagining philanthropic practice.
CivSource builds more than programs. Its pillars include grant-making and advisory services, narrative and voice, leadership and mentorship, and regional expansion. Through programs like CivFund, which operate as feminist-informed “fund of funds,” CivSource emphasizes partner autonomy and inclusive social justice funding. Under Jacqueline’s leadership, the firm champions a decolonized approach to philanthropy, bridging traditional models with African feminist movements and ensuring grassroots women-led initiatives receive the resources and recognition they deserve.
Leadership Anchored in Integrity and Compassion
Jacqueline’s influence extends beyond CivSource. She is on the board of the Africa Philanthropy Network, serves on the Steering Committee of Adoye, a pan-African program and vision for women in philanthropy in Africa. and leads the Ugandan affiliate of the International Center for Research on Women, while also serving on ICRW’s global board.
Her voice shapes discussions on philanthropy, gender justice, and civil society at global forums, including as a key speaker at the 2025 EAPN conference in Rwanda.
Her leadership is rooted in empathy, accountability, and bold storytelling. She is known as a high-energy, results-orientedcoach, a certified professional coach with the International Coach Federation, passionate about guiding leaders to lead from their most authentic selves. Through mentorship and coaching, she continues to inspire the next generation of African leaders, particularly women, to navigate barriers with confidence and purpose.
Mountain Climber, Storyteller, Resilient Leader
Beyond the boardrooms and grant reports, Jacqueline’s spirit is anchored in metaphor and transcendence. She has climbed six mountains including Rwenzori and Kilimanjaro, each representing seasons of challenge and transformation in her life. In her memoir, Facing Mountains, she reveals intimate truths from navigating racism in educational institutions to confronting personal struggles including a moment of crisis that led to deep reflection and renewal.
These metaphorical mountains illustrate her leadership approach. Vulnerability paired with hard-won wisdom, celebrating unseen guides from mentorship networks to community support systems, is essential to every ascent.
Why Jacqueline Asiimwe Moves Nations
- Reframing Philanthropy: She insists that African giving is not a deficit but a generational legacy of resilience and generosity, ready to lead globally
- Mentorship at the Core: By elevating voices in low net worth communities and young leaders, she multiplies impact across generations
- Story as Strategy: She uses narrative to shift power from distant funders to grounded communities, making philanthropy more inclusive and accountable
- Courage in Leadership: Whether climbing literal mountains or confronting systemic biases, she equips others to meet adversity with intention and grace
- Championing Women’s Rights: From addressing domestic violence and gender-based discrimination to amplifying feminist movements, she has built an enduring legacy for equity
The Legacy in Motion
Jacqueline Asiimwe is more than a change-maker. She is a culture-shaper. Through CivSource Africa and her advocacy, she is weaving a new philanthropic fabric where African-led, feminist, and grounded giving fosters systemic equity. Her leadership embodies an enduring truth: real transformation starts when communities lead, stories are amplified, and power is shared.
