October 8, 2024 — The Uganda Website Projects Competition 2024 (https://events.wordpress.org/uganda/2024/competition/) , held at the National ICT Innovation Hub, more than delivered on its potential to serve both students and educators alike, showcasing the best of WordPress as a tool for problem-solving. Led by a dedicated team under the guidance of Rogers Mukalele, this unique event has firmly established its place in Uganda’s digital calendar.

A New Era of WordPress Events

Inspired by the Next Gen WordCamp format, which has been gaining traction globally, the competition in Uganda focused on students from all education levels—ranging from primary schools to higher learning institutions. The aim was to inspire these young minds to creatively use WordPress to address real-world issues through innovative thinking and problem-solving.

A call for projects was issued, resulting in 16 submissions. After a rigorous vetting process by a panel of adjudicators, 10 projects were shortlisted for the final round. These finalists were given the chance to showcase their innovation and technical acumen in front of an audience and a panel of industry-relevant judges.

Hands-On Learning and Expert Insights

The day kicked off with a hands-on workshop for beginners, especially those new to WordPress. Held at the ICT Innovation Hub’s computer lab, the session aimed to equip participants with foundational skills in website creation using WordPress. A knowledgeable instructor guided even those with zero experience through the basics, ensuring they left with the confidence to build their own websites.

After the workshop, participants gathered in the auditorium for a series of expert presentations. Seasoned professionals who had launched careers and businesses using WordPress shared their experiences. Topics ranged from client management and security issues to SEO and hosting challenges. The session was interactive, with beginners asking questions and receiving valuable advice from the experts.

Showcasing Uganda’s Rising Stars

The competition was divided into two main categories: the Rising Stars and the Explorers. The Rising Stars category featured projects from primary and secondary school students, while the Explorers category showcased the work of tertiary-level students.

In the Rising Stars category, five projects were presented. Each team had 10 minutes to pitch their project to the judges, who evaluated them on criteria such as presentation skills, problem-solving approach, technical execution, content quality, and overall innovation. The winning project was “Skyray,” an educational website created by Iganga Girls Secondary School. Skyray stood out for its comprehensive resources tailored to Uganda’s new curriculum, reflecting the students’ commitment to enhancing education through technology.

The Explorers category was equally competitive, with five tertiary institutions presenting their projects. Among these, Afrinova Creations, an e-commerce platform offering African-inspired creations, emerged as the top project. Created by a team from Makerere University, Afrinova Creations impressed the judges with its potential to promote African culture and entrepreneurship on a global scale.

Celebrating Excellence and Innovation

In addition to the top honors, cash prizes were awarded to six of the ten participating projects, recognizing their efforts and encouraging further development. The event also received generous support from global sponsors, including Automattic, who provided swag, in-kind presents, and additional awards to all participants. The atmosphere was celebratory, with participants and adjudicators donning vibrant T-shirts and enjoying a well-deserved meal to conclude the day.

Looking Ahead

The Uganda Website Projects Competition 2024 has set a new benchmark for WordPress events in the country. By introducing a competitive element to the traditional WordCamp format, the organizers have created a platform where young innovators can showcase their talents, gain recognition, and receive support to further their projects. As one participant remarked, the event not only inspired them to push their boundaries but also demonstrated that they, too, could contribute to Uganda’s growing digital ecosystem.

The success of this event underscores the importance of nurturing digital skills among the youth and provides a compelling case for making this competition an annual fixture in Uganda’s WordPress community. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the Uganda Website Projects Competition will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of tech-savvy innovators.

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