WordCamp Masaka 2025, held from July 18–19 at Equator University of Science and Technology, wrapped up with a strong sense of community, innovation, and shared purpose. The second edition of this dynamic gathering brought together 291 attendees under the theme “Connecting Communities, Inspiring Ideas.” While we were just 9 shy of our 300-participant target, the energy and engagement made the event a resounding success.
Participants from across Uganda and beyond including speakers from South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana—engaged in the two days of insightful talks, practical workshops, and meaningful conversations about the future of WordPress and open-source collaboration.
A heartfelt thank you to our amazing sponsors for their incredible support. This event would not have been possible without your generosity.
- Admin Sponsors: Jetpack, Bluehost, Woo, Hosting.com, Kinsta, Elementor
- Micro Sponsors: Fothfocus, SEOFirma, Sharebility Uganda, KasiryeLabs, Ablestate
- Media Partners: Wrapped, MetaverseWP, Urban Magazine, WPLift
- Venue Host: Equator University of Science and Technology
A Look at the Event
Among the many impactful moments was the panel discussion titled “From Barriers to Belonging: Building Diverse & Inclusive Tech Communities.” This session encouraged meaningful dialogue around representation and inclusion, prompting participants to reflect on how to build more welcoming and equitable environments in tech.
The event also featured a vibrant Student Engagement Program, which provided high school, vocational, and university students with an opportunity to explore WordPress. Through hands-on workshops, practical presentations, and networking opportunities with industry professionals, students gained valuable exposure and insights. Notably, several high school representatives expressed strong interest in bringing hands-on WordPress workshops and training sessions to their schools. They also proposed mentorship programs to help students develop real-world projects—highlighting a growing enthusiasm for learning and community involvement.
The swag from Jetpack was warmly appreciated by attendees, adding a thoughtful and useful touch that made the event even more memorable.
Key themes explored during the event included:
- Community and Career Growth: Sessions offered guidance on personal and professional development within the WordPress ecosystem.
- Security Focus: Attendees gained essential knowledge to protect websites and mitigate threats.
- Design and Development: Practical insights covered modern workflows, full site editing, and block editor techniques.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Sessions highlighted how missing perspectives create an innovation gap that could threaten WordPress’s future, emphasizing the need to build diverse and inclusive communities and empower women in tech.
- Website Management: Strategies for backup, restoration, and site migration were shared.
- Marketing and Innovation: Topics included growth strategies like email marketing, AI and VR applications, and WordPress’s role in sustainable development.
Throughout the event, networking breaks and a community photo session provided ample opportunities for attendees to connect, share ideas, and build lasting relationships.
Impact and Community Spirit
WordCamp Masaka 2025 was a testament to the thriving WordPress community in Uganda. It served as a powerful platform for knowledge exchange, skill enhancement, and fostering a strong sense of camaraderie. The diverse range of topics, from technical deep-dives to discussions on community building and future technologies, ensured there was something for everyone.
The enthusiasm of the speakers, the active participation of attendees, and the invaluable support from sponsors created an unforgettable experience.
During the event, Arthur Kasirye (Community Program Supporter), Ssebuwufu Moses (WordCamp Masaka 2025 Lead Organizer), and Thabo Tswana (Event Supporter) met with Professor Mouhamad Mpezamihigo, Vice Chancellor of Equator University of Science and Technology, to introduce the WordPress Credits Internship Program—an initiative that integrates university students into the WordPress open source community through hands-on contribution projects. Professor Mpezamihigo expressed strong interest in the program and committed to formally submitting the university’s interest form, signaling a promising collaboration to advance student engagement and practical skills development.
The success of this event reinforces the growing potential of WordPress as a tool for digital empowerment and economic development in the region. The connections made and the knowledge shared will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and innovation within the Ugandan tech landscape.
Looking Ahead
The community looks forward to building on the momentum generated by WordCamp Masaka 2025 by continuing to collaborate, learn, and contribute to the global WordPress project.
Follow Masaka WordPress Meetup on X and LinkedIn for updates, news, and upcoming events.
For more information about WordCamp Masaka 2025, please visit https://masaka.wordcamp.org/2025/.