Jane Frances Acilo, founder and director of the Jane Acilo Foundation (JAF), has resumed her anti-poverty initiatives in Oyam district.
An agriculturist, philanthropist, businesswoman and politician, Acilo aims to empower thousands of households in Oyam district to be in the money economy as her promised five-year agenda continues to take shape.
On March 10, at her community office in Myene sub-county, Oyam South, Acilo, flanked by district leaders and staff of her JAF, launched the second phase of improved maize seed distribution.
The distribution of seeds to registered farmers, she said, would run throughout this week. In Myene alone, at least 6,000 people have registered, making the area where her home and Abja farm are located a sub-county with the highest number of registered beneficiaries in the district.
Last year, Acilo promised to support farmers, youth and women with development initiatives from February 2026.
On March 10, she told hundreds who turned up for the launch in Myene and Aleka sub-counties that she was still “theirs and I will remain here.”
She emphasised on Monday that agriculture remains the backbone of Oyam and will continue to play a central role in the well-being of families.
“What we are giving is 1kg of seeds which after one season can be replanted,” she said. “As a Foundation, our focus is on agriculture, education and health. Today, our focus is on agriculture to help the livelihoods of the community.”
Also read: Jane Frances Acilo launches district-wide maize grain buying across Oyam
She urged the beneficiaries not to sell off the seeds, saying they were given strictly for planting.
Acilo commended JAF partners among them the Machapala Group, and asked God to bless the people of Oyam as they prepare for the new planting season.
Akello Molly of Myene parish, Myene sub-county explained how the seeds she planted quickly elevated her household standards.
A second-time beneficiary, Akello said she sold the first harvest and used the money to buy a pig. Months later, the pig produced 10 piglets. From piglets, Akello revealed that she bought two medium-sized cows.
After replanting last year in the second season, Akello revealed she harvested fifty bags of maize grains which made her shs6.8m richer.
“After planting today’s maize seeds, I expect to harvest four bags if the rains remain favourable,” Akello predicts.
Etwop Moses, a resident of Olwarut village, Myene sub-county who received 1kg, cited a lack of quality seeds as one of the challenges farmers in the area face.
Another challenge he revealed is the lack of money to buy quality seeds, commending JAF for rescuing the people of Myene and Oyam district in general.
Acilo is not only giving free seeds but has also sourced markets for agricultural produce. In December last year, she launched a district-wide mass maize grain buying.
Farmers sold each kilogram at shs1,000.
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