Victo Nalule’s journey is one of resilience, passion, and an unwavering determination to uplift marginalized communities. As the founder and Executive Director of the Tunaweza Foundation in Uganda, Victo has dedicated her life to creating opportunities for individuals to thrive against all odds.  
 
Born and raised in Uganda, Victo contracted polio at the age of two, an event that would shape her understanding of life but never define her. She refuses to view her disability as a limitation, embracing every opportunity to live fully and contribute meaningfully to society. With a degree in Human Resource Management, she has skillfully blended her academic background and personal experiences into her professional and philanthropic endeavors. 

A Vision for Empowerment 

Victo’s passion for making a difference began early in life. Her journey into social impact work started with initiatives aimed at empowering women, an area she felt passionate about due to the unique challenges many women face in underserved communities. In 2019, she officially launched the Tunaweza Foundation, a platform designed to equip individuals, particularly women and youth, with the skills and resources needed to improve their livelihoods. 

The foundation provides vocational training, mentorship, and entrepreneurial support, ensuring that beneficiaries gain confidence and the tools necessary to generate sustainable futures. From women at the Kenya-Uganda border to youth in universities, Victo’s initiatives have touched countless lives, many of whom have seen remarkable transformations. 

Global Platforms and Lifelong Lessons 

Victo’s leadership and impact have not gone unnoticed. She is a Mandela Washington Fellow and a member of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), both prestigious platforms that have significantly influenced her work. Through these programs, Victo honed her leadership skills, broadened her perspective on community-driven development, and learned how to create scalable solutions to solve local challenges. These experiences further deepened her resolve to create programs that not only empower but also inspire lasting change. 

Through her leadership, the Tunaweza Foundation has grown from a small idea into a far-reaching initiative. Victo takes pride in the foundation’s ability to touch lives globally while remaining rooted in local realities. Her career also includes experience in corporate human resources, which has enriched her understanding of organizational development and the importance of empowering individuals within professional and community contexts. 

Reflecting on her work, Victo often highlights the profound impact of seeing lives transformed. She recounts moments when women who took part in Tunaweza’s programs shared how their lives had changed. These testimonials have reaffirmed her belief that the foundation is more than just her personal project; it is a platform that continues to uplift thousands of lives, many of whom she may never meet. 

Overcoming Challenges with Courage 

Despite the hurdles she has faced, Victo views her journey as one of triumph. She sees her disability not as a challenge but as a part of her identity that has shaped her perspective and resilience. Her story stands as an example that physical limitations do not have to restrict one’s aspirations or achievements. 

“It’s not just about providing resources,” she often says, “it’s about instilling confidence and showing people they can create a better future.” Her focus remains on empowering individuals to recognize their potential, regardless of the barriers they face. 

Building a Future of Possibilities 

Tunaweza, which means “We Can” in Swahili, embodies the spirit of possibility that Victo strives to inspire in others. The foundation has touched lives in universities, remote communities, and beyond, providing participants with skills, confidence, and a vision for a brighter future. 

For Victo, success is measured not by personal accolades but by the impact her work has on others. She believes she is building a legacy of change that will continue to inspire generations long after her. “I feel content knowing I’ve left something meaningful behind,” she reflects, underscoring her unwavering dedication to uplifting others. 
 
Written by Lily Ronoh-Waweru, Strategic Communications Specialist