Author: Ssebuwufu Moses

I am an experienced IT professional with over 8 years of expertise in ICT training, web design, and development. In addition to my IT background, I have a history of managing local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Uganda that focus on improving the lives of underprivileged and marginalized communities in a sustainable manner. Through these organizations, I actively engage with individuals and communities to promote the use of ICT in various sectors such as education, healthcare, service delivery, rights empowerment, economic development, and skills enhancement.
WordCamp Masaka 2023 Group Photo 3

WordCamp Masaka 2023: Recap

Posted on by Ssebuwufu Moses

The inaugural WordCamp Masaka, a two-day event that unfolded on the 6th and 7th of October, 2023, at the Equator University of Science and Technology, was an exceptional success. Drawing over 200 attendees from Uganda and beyond, the event united individuals from diverse career paths, including developers, writers, marketers, teachers, and students among others.

Elevators Track at WordCamp Masaka 2023

WordCamp Masaka 2023 extended its appeal to all WordPress enthusiasts, achieving a perfect balance between novices eager to learn and experts looking to expand their horizons. Notably, the event prioritized diversity and inclusion, with women participating in various capacities, including as speakers. It featured a thought-provoking discussion panel, “The Challenges & Opportunities for Women in Tech,” uniting influential women from the tech industry to inspire the audience. The panel highlighted the potential for women to excel in the tech sector, motivating young talents to pursue their dreams, regardless of gender.

Discussion Panel: Women in Tech WordCamp Masaka 2023
Discussion Panel: Women in Tech WordCamp Masaka 2023

The event also included hands-on workshops tailored to provide invaluable support for beginners new to WordPress. The Equator University offered access to cutting-edge computer labs, sparking inspiring innovation and creativity among students. Many students enthusiastically embarked on their school club web projects. The event also motivated some school representatives to start working on their websites.

WordCamp Masaka 2023 - Students' Hands-on Workshop

Another enlightening panel, “From Passion to Profit: Navigating the Journey of Launching a Digital Agency,” offered invaluable insights into transforming a passion for WordPress and web development into a profitable venture. Entrepreneurs and experts shared their experiences, leaving attendees with a wealth of knowledge and a clearer path to success.

WordCamp Masaka 2023 was more than an event; it was a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and boundless possibilities when passionate individuals unite. The seeds of creativity sown during this event will undoubtedly flourish into remarkable projects and initiatives, shaping the future of web development and digital innovation. The projects ideated as a result of attending or participating in WordCamp Masaka 2023 will be showcased on our social media channels and blog posts in the near future.

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to our generous sponsors, speakers, volunteers, and attendees for their unwavering support. Their contributions were instrumental in making WordCamp Masaka 2023 a reality. We couldn’t have achieved this success without their commitment to our community and their belief in the power of WordPress and digital innovation.

For photos from WordCamp Masaka 2023, please click here.

Equator University

Travel guide to WordCamp Masaka 2023

Posted on by Ssebuwufu Moses

WordCamp Masaka 2023 is scheduled for October 6 and 7, 2023, at Equator University of Science and Technology. The venue is situated on Kigamba-Kasijjagirwa Road, behind Masaka Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) in Masaka City, Uganda.

How to Reach Masaka?

If you plan to travel to Masaka by air, the nearest major airport is Entebbe International Airport (EBB), located approximately 130 kilometers from Masaka. Several transportation options are available from Entebbe to Masaka, including buses, taxis, and private cars. The journey from Kampala to Masaka takes approximately 3 hours. If you don’t have access to a private car, we recommend taking a taxi to either Kampala New Tax Park or Busega. From Kampala New Taxi Park, you can seek assistance from locals to guide you to the taxis bound for Masaka. The locals are friendly and willing to help, but please be mindful of pickpockets. Taxis typically charge no more than UGX 20,000, although you may negotiate for a fare of UGX 15,000. Instruct the driver to drop you off at Ambiance Club Masaka. If departing from Busega, the fare should be no more than UGX 15,000. Here as well, inform the driver that you need to be dropped at Ambiance Club Masaka. If you are unfamiliar with Masaka, do not hesitate to remind the driver or conductor of your destination. If you have a private car, please consider stopping at the Equator in Kayabwe to take some photographs. Regrettably, buses and taxis rarely stop to allow passengers to capture this moment. Private car users can consult Google Maps for route information.

Upon arriving at Ambiance Club Masaka by taxi, you will find a boda boda (motorcycle taxi) stage at the same location. Inform the boda boda riders that you are headed to Equator University, located behind Masaka Regional Referral Hospital. The boda boda fare is a mere UGX 1,000, and the ride takes approximately 3 minutes. For those with private cars, departing from Ambiance Club Masaka, turn right onto the road leading to Masaka Regional Referral Hospital. You will see signposts for guidance. Drive approximately 800 meters to reach the Katwe Roundabout, then take the road towards Kijjabwemi and drive another 300 meters. You will encounter a signpost directing you to Equator University, which is located 200 meters off the Kijjabwemi road.

If you are traveling from Mbarara or other western parts of Uganda, or from Kigali, Rwanda, instruct the bus driver to drop you off at Gaz Petrol Station in Kijjabwemi, a designated bus stop. From there, take a boda boda to Equator University. Boda boda riders typically charge UGX 1,000 or UGX 2,000, depending on your negotiation skills. Bargaining is a common practice in Uganda. If you are using a taxi from Western Uganda, request to be dropped off at the UNRA office in Masaka, situated in Kijjabwemi on the road leading to Masaka Regional Referral Hospital. A boda boda stage is available, and the ride to the venue costs only UGX 1,000, lasting approximately 3 minutes. Private car users can turn left from this point and follow the road to Masaka Hospital, driving roughly 1,000 meters until they encounter the signpost for the venue.

For those traveling from Mutukula on Kyotera Road, the same route can be taken, or alternatively, follow a route to Masaka Liberation Square, opposite Masaka Regional Referral Hospital.

For travelers from Ssembabule, Bukomansimbi, and Kalungu Road, upon reaching the Kyakumpi-Mbarara Road junction (Nyendo-Kampala-Mbarara-Kalungu-Bukomansimbi), take the Mbarara road, pass Ssaza, and turn left onto the first branching tarmac road leading to Masaka Regional Referral Hospital. Proceed onto the Kijjabwemi road, and you will encounter the signpost for Equator University.

Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you to WordCamp Masaka 2023.

Empowering the Future: Why Your Tech Company Should Sponsor WordCamp Masaka 2023

Posted on by Ssebuwufu Moses

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for tech companies. In Uganda, the tech scene is burgeoning, and the WordCamp Masaka 2023 presents a golden opportunity for tech giants to invest in the future. WordCamps have been making waves worldwide, and Uganda is no exception. This year alone, Uganda had the privilege of hosting four WordCamps, including the recently concluded WordCamp Entebbe, WordCamp Kampala, and WordCamp Jinja, building up to the grand finale: WordCamp Masaka. This event is scheduled for October 6th and 7th, 2023, at the Equator University of Science and Technology. The excitement is palpable, and your tech company can be a part of it.

First and foremost, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the global sponsors who have made these events possible: Automattic, Weglot, WooCommerce, GoDaddy, Bluehost, and SiteGround. Your invaluable support has been instrumental in shaping the success of WordCamps around the world. While these global sponsors have been instrumental, we strongly believe that there is a unique opportunity for additional tech companies to make an indelible impact.

Uganda, although a developing country, has been making significant strides in the tech industry. Educational institutions, spanning from primary schools to universities, are investing extensively in technology education. The premise is simple yet profound: What children learn at a tender age becomes an integral facet of their cultural fabric. Technology, too, has found its way into the hearts and minds of Ugandans, from eager students to seasoned professionals. Various digital products and services have made a profound impact on this emerging generation.

In the digital era, web design stands as a cornerstone skill, and WordPress is the platform of choice for crafting exquisite websites. Within Uganda, a thriving community has emerged, comprising students, educators, designers, developers, NGOs and visionary entrepreneurs. Tech companies specializing in WordPress products and services now have a remarkable chance to engage with this burgeoning community. Imagine young Ugandan students embarking on a journey of web design and development using WordPress, with your company’s sponsorship of WordCamp Masaka 2023 positioning your brand as the beacon guiding their future projects.

Empowering the Next Generation: KidsCamp at WordCamp Kampala 2023, hosted at MOTIV Uganda
Empowering the Next Generation: KidsCamp at WordCamp Kampala 2023, hosted at MOTIV Uganda

In the tech world, becoming an intrinsic part of the culture is indispensable. Just as tech titans like Microsoft have become household names worldwide, sponsoring WordCamp Masaka 2023 affords your company the opportunity to become a vital thread in the fabric of problem-solving culture, not only in Uganda but also beyond its borders. Your solutions can serve as the linchpin in addressing the daily challenges faced by this tech-savvy generation. Picture your company’s tools and services being embraced by Ugandan entrepreneurs as they pioneer innovative startups that cater to local needs, all thanks to your sponsorship.

Sponsoring WordCamp Masaka 2023 isn’t a short-sighted strategy; it’s an enduring commitment to growth. As the youthful generation in Uganda and around the globe continues to utilize, disseminate, develop, and market your products, your brand will naturally flourish in tandem. These individuals are the torchbearers of the tech industry’s future, poised to revolutionize it. By sponsoring this event, you catalyze their journey toward success and establish a lasting bond. Imagine your brand growing alongside these tech-savvy individuals as they emerge as leaders, innovators, and pioneers in Uganda’s tech ecosystem and on the global stage.

We invite you to seize this unique and compelling opportunity for tech companies to invest in the next generation of tech enthusiasts and professionals. Your support not only extends your brand’s influence but also contributes significantly to the growth of a vibrant tech community in Uganda and beyond. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary chance to be at the forefront of Uganda’s tech transformation. Join us at WordCamp Masaka 2023, and let your brand be a driving force behind the technological revolution in Uganda and across the globe. Your sponsorship paves the way for a future where innovation knows no bounds.

Sponsor WordCamp Masaka 2023

The Significance of WordCamps for Educators in Uganda

Posted on by Ssebuwufu Moses

WordCamps, celebrated globally in various formats including lightning talks, informative sessions, and workshops, constitute indispensable gatherings for knowledge dissemination, networking, and collaboration. These events have been intentionally designed to cater to a diverse audience, ranging from newcomers to seasoned experts. Since I became the WordPress Masaka Meetup Lead 2021, I’ve had the privilege of actively participating in WordPress meetups and WordCamps both physically and virtually. These experiences have allowed me to engage with professionals from various walks of life, a phenomenon particularly evident within the Ugandan teaching community.

Empowering the Next Generation of Tech Enthusiasts: Kids at WordCamp Kampala 2023 diving into WordPress with enthusiasm, hosted at MOTIV Uganda.
Empowering the Next Generation of Tech Enthusiasts: Kids at WordCamp Kampala 2023 diving into WordPress with enthusiasm, hosted at MOTIV Uganda.

It’s worth exploring the compelling reasons behind educators’ deep-rooted interest in WordCamps. In Ugandan secondary schools, web design forms an integral part of the ICT curriculum. Furthermore, the integration of ICT into all subjects at this educational level reflects the contemporary emphasis on technology’s ubiquitous role. In an era where students are expected to develop the skills to tackle real-world challenges, ICT proficiency is unquestionably indispensable. However, it’s unfortunate that some educators have been hesitant to embrace web design, often citing its perceived complexity, both for themselves and their students. Let it be clearly stated that the absence of web design skills does not constitute a failing. However, the reluctance to seize available opportunities and resources for skill acquisition does.

Teachers often present legitimate rationales for their non-attendance at WordPress Events. These include concerns over time constraints, the misconception that mastering web design and development requires a protracted commitment, and the belief that web design is extraneous to their core subject matter expertise. It’s crucial to address these concerns through reasoned discussion and consideration.

Dedicated to Learning: Mr. Waddimba Deogratius, Head Teacher, actively participating in WordCamp Jinja 2023 at Iganga Secondary School

Consider the scenario of a seasoned mathematics, physics, chemistry, or history educator with decades of experience who adheres to traditional teaching methods, relying on textbooks. These individuals possess a wealth of knowledge that could immensely benefit society. Yet, this knowledge remains locked away offline. This raises a pertinent question: Why withhold a solution that could benefit the world?

While educators form a substantial part of Uganda’s WordPress community, the number actively engaged in WordPress events remains lower than desired. A sincere acknowledgment is owed to WordPress contributors who have made this software freely accessible to the community, simplifying website development without coding knowledge. All that is required is enthusiasm and a supportive community, both of which WordPress offers abundantly.

Gathering for Knowledge and Connection: Attendees at WordCamp Entebbe 2023, held at the unique venue at Entebbe Zoo

In light of the recent conclusion of WordCamp Entebbe 2023, WordCamp Kampala 2023, and WordCamp Jinja 2023, we have seen the tremendous value that these events bring to the table. However, there is still one remarkable WordCamp event scheduled for Uganda in 2023, and that is WordCamp Masaka 2023. I urge all educators to seize this invaluable opportunity by attending WordCamp Masaka 2023, which will take place on October 6th and 7th at Equator University of Science and Technology in Masaka, Uganda

Buy a Ticket for WordCamp Masaka 2023

It is incumbent upon educators to revisit any reservations they may have regarding the digital transformation. Failing to adapt to changing times could potentially jeopardize job security—an outcome that is in no one’s best interest. In our contemporary, highly competitive job market, employers are redefining recruitment criteria, seeking candidates who possess a broad spectrum of skills, including digital marketing, web design, and more. Graduates are actively investing their time to acquire these competencies, and educators should strive to remain attuned to these evolving demands.

Inspiring Innovation: Form 3 students from Iganga Secondary School proudly showcase their WordPress-powered project, "Skyray," at WordCamp Jinja 2023.
Inspiring Innovation: Form 3 students from Iganga Secondary School proudly showcase their WordPress-powered project, “Skyray,” at WordCamp Jinja 2023.

We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences related to WordCamps in the comments section below. Engaging in discussions can lead to valuable insights and connections within our WordPress community.

WordCamps presents an unparalleled opportunity for educators to acquire skills that are not only vital for their personal and professional growth but also for the advancement of their students and society at large. Embracing these opportunities signifies a commitment to a more digitally proficient and competitive educational landscape, one that ultimately benefits all stakeholders in the realm of education.

WordCamp Masaka 2023 – Call for Speakers Extended

Posted on by Ssebuwufu Moses

WordCamp Masaka 2023 is scheduled to occur on the 6th and 7th of October 2023. This engaging event will take place at the Equator University of Science and Technology, located in Masaka, Uganda. Notably, the deadline for speaker submissions has been extended to September 4th, providing potential speakers with more time to craft their presentations.

Speakers play a pivotal role in the context of any WordCamp. If you possess valuable insights to share, you have the opportunity to contribute as a distinguished speaker during the upcoming WordCamp Masaka 2023. Throughout the week of October 7th to 13th, the organizing team will meticulously evaluate speaker proposals and get in touch with candidates to confirm their availability and dedication.

Anticipated to span two enriching days, this event is expected to attract a diverse audience, including students, website developers, educators, bloggers, visual designers, entrepreneurs, non-governmental organizations, and various other communities.

Session Formats

We are planning the following formats for sessions:

  1. Talks: Talks should be planned for 30 minutes, with the last 10 minutes being an interactive session with the audience. Make your sessions interesting and captivating. We need an active audience.
  2. Lightning Talks: Lightning Talks are 10-minute talks that are designed to give a quick overview of a topic. The audience should be able to get an idea of what you are trying to convey.
  3. Workshops: We are planning a dedicated hands-on workshop track. If you are interested in hosting a workshop, please let us know in your application.
  4. Panel Discussions: Panel discussions are always engaging. If you would like to be a part of a panel or host a panel discussion, please let us know.
Speaker Application Form
WCMasaka

Don’t Keep Your Knowledge Confined

Posted on by Ssebuwufu Moses

In Uganda, a vibrant community of WordPress enthusiasts is quietly making its mark. These individuals, armed with an array of coding languages and a passion for web development, are using WordPress to empower their communities, build websites, and shape the digital landscape. However, an unsettling truth has come to light. Many of these remarkable minds remain unaware of the transformative power of WordCamps, missing out on opportunities to share their wisdom, collaborate, and amplify their impact.

Uganda’s tech landscape is undergoing a dynamic transformation, with more individuals harnessing the power of WordPress to craft websites that reflect their visions, support local businesses, and drive community initiatives. Yet, an important aspect of this journey remains uncharted for many—the world of WordCamps.

Challenges on the Path to Empowerment

WordCamps are vibrant gatherings serving as platforms for WordPress enthusiasts to exchange insights, expand networks, and contribute to a global community. Unfortunately, not all Ugandan WordPress aficionados are privy to this invaluable experience. Many are ensnared by misconceptions, or they are not aware of these events, like the idea that WordCamps are exclusively tailored for beginners. In truth, WordCamps encompass a spectrum of expertise levels—from beginners taking their first steps to seasoned developers crafting intricate themes and plugins.

Moses Ssebuwufu, the current lead of the Masaka WordPress Meetup and WordCamp Masaka 2023, recently encountered a developer in the Masaka region of Uganda. The developer, who is proficient in PHP, HTML, CSS, and React, expressed reservations about WordPress being tailored exclusively to novices. This perspective is echoed across the landscape, leading many to overlook the opportunities in the WordPress ecosystem.

Breaking the Barriers

The journey to dismantling these misconceptions and barriers to participation is already in progress through WordPress Events. As we actively educate people about WordPress and continue to hold regular meetups, we are making significant strides. Imagine the collective impact if every coder, developer, and designer contributed by sharing their experiences with a broader audience—the resulting influence would be immeasurable. A single conversation, a heartfelt testimonial, or even a small gesture of encouragement has the potential to create ripples throughout the community, unlocking doors to empowerment and fostering collaboration.

Picture the aforementioned developer leveraging their coding prowess to create resources and tools tailored for WordPress users. By bridging their knowledge with the WordPress ecosystem, they could catalyze innovation, empower local businesses, and tap into the expansive web development market. This potential is boundless, but it hinges on a fundamental shift in perception.

Embracing WordPress’s Universal Appeal

WordPress is not confined to a skill level – it is a canvas for creativity that accommodates all levels of expertise. A beginner can seamlessly coexist with an advanced developer, and their combined efforts can yield extraordinary results. The spectrum of WordCamp attendees reflects this diversity – from enthusiasts taking their first steps into the world of web development to experts who have shaped the platform itself.

Unveiling the Path Forward

To dismantle barriers and misconceptions, we need a collective effort. Let us embark on a journey to shatter preconceived notions and pave the way for all WordPress enthusiasts to discover WordPress Events. By joining hands and spreading the word about these valuable events, we can ensure that every individual, whether seasoned developers or beginners, has the chance to tap into the wealth of knowledge, networking, and inspiration that WordPress Events offer. Together, let’s empower our community and strengthen the bonds that make WordPress such a vibrant ecosystem.

Call to Action

Let’s extend an invitation to those developers who are yet to step into the WordPress community. But it’s not just developers who are invited—it’s anyone with a love for technology and a passion for making a difference. Let’s open the doors wide and encourage everyone to join hands in this digital journey.

Together, let’s break the silence and illuminate the path toward empowerment, collaboration, and a brighter digital future for all.

WCMasaka

7 Key Benefits of Attending a WordCamp

Posted on by Ssebuwufu Moses

WordCamps are community-driven conferences that focus on all things related to WordPress, the popular content management system (CMS) that powers over 43% of the internet by 2023. These events bring together a diverse group of individuals, including bloggers, developers, designers, marketers, business owners, teachers, students, NGOs and enthusiasts, who share a common interest in WordPress.

Attending a WordCamp offers several valuable benefits to participants:

  1. Education: WordCamps feature a wide range of sessions, workshops, and presentations on topics ranging from beginner-level to advanced. These sessions cover aspects of web development, design, content creation, SEO, e-commerce, and more, all centered around WordPress. Whether you’re a beginner looking to start your first website or an experienced developer seeking to enhance your skills, there’s something for everyone.
  2. Networking: WordCamps provide an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in the WordPress community. You can meet and interact with fellow attendees, speakers, sponsors, and organizers. These connections can lead to collaborations, partnerships, and friendships that can benefit your professional and personal growth.
  3. Inspiration: WordCamps often feature talks by experienced professionals, thought leaders, and successful entrepreneurs who share their experiences and insights. These talks can inspire you to approach your WordPress projects in new and creative ways, helping you overcome challenges and innovate in your work.
  4. Access to experts: Many WordCamps invite expert speakers who are leaders in their fields. These experts provide attendees with the opportunity to ask questions, seek advice, and gain insights directly from those who have a deep understanding of WordPress and related technologies.
  5. Contributor day: Most WordCamps include a Contributor Day, during which attendees can contribute to the WordPress project itself. Whether you’re interested in coding, design, documentation, or community management, this is a chance to give back to the open-source community that powers WordPress.
  6. Exposure to industry trends: The WordPress ecosystem is constantly evolving, with new plugins, themes, and technologies emerging regularly. Attending a WordCamp can help you stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and developments, ensuring that your skills remain relevant.
  7. Local community engagement: WordCamps are often organized by local WordPress communities. Attending a WordCamp can introduce you to the vibrant local WordPress scene, allowing you to connect with professionals in your area.

The first WordCamp Masaka holds the promise of all of these benefits and more. It’s a unique opportunity for individuals in the region to come together, learn, share, and collaborate in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Whether you’re a seasoned WordPress professional or just starting your journey, attending the first WordCamp Masaka could be a transformative experience that enriches your skills, connections, and perspective.

GoDaddy

Thank you GoDaddy for being a WordCamp Masaka 2023 Gold Sponsor

Posted on by Ssebuwufu Moses

We are absolutely thrilled to extend our heartfelt gratitude to GoDaddy for their incredible support as a Gold Sponsor for WordCamp Masaka 2023. This event wouldn’t be possible without the generous contribution and commitment from partners like GoDaddy who understand the importance of fostering and nurturing the WordPress community.

At GoDaddy, their mission is to empower a worldwide community of entrepreneurs by giving them all the help and tools they need to grow online — including a simpler, safer WordPress experience. 

They champion their Makers of the Web by delivering a suite of WordPress solutions that enable fast and easy setup and then enable users to harness all the power of the world’s most popular CMS. 

The GoDaddy Pro Community was built by and for website designers and developers. Whether you’re new to web design or growing your existing business, you’ll find free tools, products, education, and expert support to help you more efficiently create and maintain beautiful sites — and wow clients.

They provide a Managed WordPress experience that is as easy as it is effective. The latest version of WordPress comes pre-installed with exclusive themes, plugins, and tools to get you up and running quickly, with automated backups, updates, and malware removal so their Pros can spend less time on monotonous maintenance, and more time building their businesses.GoDaddy Pro works tirelessly to foster an active, nurturing community, with initiatives including the sponsorship of WordCamps globally, weekly GoDaddy Pro Meetups, their free GoDaddy Pro Academy courses, and their GoDaddy Pro Discussions Group. They’re proud to be a partner of the WordPress community and look forward to witnessing all the individual greatness that their efforts help support.

Weglot

Thank you Weglot for being a WordCamp Masaka 2023 Gold Sponsor

Posted on by Ssebuwufu Moses

We are thrilled to have Weglot as a Gold Sponsor for WordCamp Masaka 2023. Weglot is a WordPress multilingual plugin to translate and display your website in multiple languages. It provides a fast first layer of automated translation which you can easily edit yourself or by adding teammates, or collaborate with pro-translators through the Weglot dashboard. Trusted by more than 60,000 website owners and developers and with a 5-star rating on the WordPress directory (1000+ reviews) – you can have a multilingual website up and running in minutes.

Key benefits include:

  • Simple and quick set-up
  • Multilingual SEO best practices (translated URLs & metadata)
  • Compatibility with any Themes and Plugins (incl. WooCommerce)
  • Automatic and human translations
  • A unique dashboard with an ‘in context editor’, easily edit translations & invite teammates to collaborate on projects
  • Expert support: a fully dedicated technical support team at your disposal