Author: Mukalele Rogers

The Uganda Website Projects Competition 2024, held at the 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.

See Full Photo Gallery: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMBGe2njrUKZpQGQmULb79vEfu-1ww5eoH7gFzxQrB6j8V_ZiatSEABvLXf0XmkHQ?key=bE9rb0I3YnlCdmdUZTFXb0h6RzVpaDEySUtSVFJB

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 National 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. This workshop went on till time for breakfast which was served around 11:00am

After the breakfast, participants gathered in the auditorium for a panel discussion 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.

The event was streamed live to Youtube, below are some of the livestream segments:

Showcasing Uganda’s Rising Stars and Explorers

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, the following five projects were pitched.

• Provok – St. Mark’s College Namagoma
  • Provok is a dynamic platform aiming to democratize IT education globally, offering a variety of courses and hands-on learning experiences.
  • Link: https://provok.000webhostapp.com
• Big Green – St. Edward’s SS Bukuumi
  • Big Green is an environmental conservation and awareness website dedicated to educating global audiences on environmental protection and pollution control through informative articles and blogs.
  • Link: https://biggreen.stebictclub.org
• STEGS Smart Study – St. Elizabeth Girls’ Secondary School
  • STEGS Smart Study Project provides academic resources such as eBooks, educational videos, and links to online courses, aimed at bridging the gap in access to traditional learning materials.
  • Link: https://elearning.stegs.sc.ug
• Skyray – Iganga Secondary School
  • Skyray offers educational resources and support for students, parents, and teachers to navigate Uganda’s new lower secondary curriculum effectively.
  • Link: https://skyray.org
• News Shelf – New Jerusalem Mixed Junior School
  • News Shelf features a kids’ news portal, an art gallery, and interactive quizzes, all created by students to enhance learning and engagement.
  • Link: https://news-shelf.com

In the Explorers category, the following five projects were pitched.

• Local Farmers’ Market Website – Kampala International University, KIU
  • The Local Farmers’ Market Website promotes local agriculture by connecting consumers with fresh produce and handmade goods through an online marketplace.
  • Link: https://h.imsaar.com
• Afrinova Creations Website – Makerere University Kampala
  • Afrinova Creations showcases African culture through a curated collection of clothing, crafts, and foods, supporting African artisans and entrepreneurs.
  • Link: https://afrinovacreations.com
• Diving into WebDesign and WordPress in Luweero Diocese – CoU Anglican Luweero Diocese Education ICT
  • This project empowers ICT teachers within Luweero Diocese to teach web design and create active websites for schools using WordPress.
  • Link: https://luweerodiocese.org
• Innovative Tune and Watch Pitch Awareness Wave – Makerere University Jinja Campus
  • Innovative Tune and Watch Pitch Awareness Wave aims to provide entertaining media resources and informative community connections through an intuitive user interface.
  • Link: https://tunewatching.com
• Edutech Blog – Kyambogo University / EduTech Club
  • The Edutech Blog addresses the challenge of accessing educational technology awareness, offering valuable insights and resources through WordPress.
  • Link: https://blog.edutech.club

Each team had 10 minutes to pitch their project to the judges, who evaluated them on criteria such as Problem-Solving & Impact, Innovation & Creativity, Technical Execution, Usability & Accessibility, Content Quality & Quantity, Revenue Model & Sustainability, Presentation & Team Dynamics. See Adjudicator Forms:

• Explorers Category: Adjudicator Form – Explorers
• Rising Stars Category: Adjudicator Form – Rising Stars

The following were the total points scored by each project out of 175 maximum available points (7 categories x 5 adjudicators X 5 max points)
Rising Stars Category

• Provok – 121
• Big Green – 136
• Stegs – 120
• Skyray – 138
• News Shelf – 118

Explorers Category

• KIU – 129
• Afrinova – 134
• Luweero – 129
• Tune Watching – 107
• Edutech Blog – 123

Therefore, winning project under the Rising Stars category was “Skyray,” with 138 points and in the Explorers category it was Afrinova, scoring 134 points:

‘No experience is wasted’

In his presentation at the Uganda Website Projects Competition 2024, Mr. Herman Kok our guest speaker from South Africa, with the help of his puppet Wally, conveyed two key messages: “It’s never too late to start” and “No experience is wasted.” He shared his personal journey of transitioning into a WordPress developer at the age of 42, emphasizing that every experience, no matter how unrelated it may seem at the time, contributes to one’s growth and skillset. He encouraged the young audience to embrace their current learning experiences, assuring them that their efforts will be valuable in the future, regardless of the career paths they eventually choose.

Celebrating Excellence and Innovation

In addition to the top honors (winners plaques given to the winning projects in each category), cash prizes were awarded to six of the ten participating projects, recognizing their efforts and encouraging further development. The two winning projects in each of the categories, were given a cash prize of UGX 500,000. The first runners up in each category, received a cash prize of UGX 300,000 while each of the second runners up received UGX 200,000 – bringing the total cash given out to two million Uganda shillings.

The winners 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. 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 the 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.

Article by Mukalele Rogers
Lead Organiser
Uganda Website Projects Competition 2024

By Mukisa Godfrey

The National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa is an ideal place of opportunity for individuals and businesses in the ICT sector. As the proud host of the Uganda Website Projects Competition 2024, the hub is at the forefront of fostering technological innovation and growth. Here are some of the key opportunities available at this dynamic center:

1. Innovation and Incubation Programs

The hub provides a conducive environment for startups and innovators through its robust innovation and incubation programs. These programs are designed to nurture ideas from conception to realization, offering mentorship, training, and essential resources. By participating, startups can develop and scale their innovative ICT solutions, gaining a competitive edge in the market.

2. Workshops and Training Sessions

Regular workshops and training sessions are a cornerstone of the hub’s offerings. These sessions are tailored to enhance both technical and entrepreneurial skills. Topics range from software development and cybersecurity to digital marketing and business management. By attending these sessions, individuals can stay informed of the latest trends and technologies, ensuring they remain relevant in a rapidly evolving industry.

3. Networking Opportunities

One of the most significant advantages of the National ICT Innovation Hub is its role as a networking Space. It serves as a meeting point for tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts. This environment fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange, allowing individuals to form valuable connections that can lead to new partnerships and business opportunities.

4. Access to Funding

Securing funding is often a major hurdle for startups and innovators. The hub facilitates various funding opportunities through competitions, grants, and partnerships. By participating in events like the Uganda Website Projects Competition, innovators can showcase their projects to potential investors, increasing their chances of receiving financial support.

5. Events and Competitions

The hub is renowned for hosting a variety of events and competitions, including hackathons, innovation challenges, and the Uganda Website Projects Competition. These events provide platforms for showcasing talent, gaining recognition, and testing ideas in a competitive environment. Participants can benefit from feedback, exposure, and potential prizes that can propel their projects forward.

6. Co-working Space

In addition to its programs and events, the hub offers modern co-working spaces equipped with high-speed internet and other amenities. This environment is conducive to productivity and collaboration, allowing individuals and teams to work efficiently while benefiting from the dynamic atmosphere of the hub.

7. Research and Development Support

The hub supports research and development (R&D) initiatives, providing access to resources and expertise needed to develop new technologies and solutions. This support is crucial for innovators looking to push the boundaries of what is possible in the ICT sector.

Conclusion

The National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa is more than just a facility; it is a thriving ecosystem designed to foster innovation, support the growth of the ICT sector, and contribute to Uganda’s economic development. From incubation programs and training sessions to networking opportunities and policy advocacy, the hub offers a comprehensive range of services that can help individuals and businesses achieve their full potential. As the host of the Uganda Website Projects Competition 2024, the hub continues to be a pivotal player in the technological advancement of the nation.

A pitch is the document/slide you make to guide you and the audience during your pitching session. Thus, a compelling pitch deck forms the foundation for a smooth presentation. I encourage you to Keep It Stupid Simple (KISS).  Don’t waste your time on complex designs because it’s not the design that the audience is looking for. They’re looking for confidence, conciseness and a clear message.
Pitch decks can be made up of the following essential slides:

Note: The slides should only act as an assistant to give you pointers. That means, you shouldn’t stand on the stage and start reading for the audience. If you do that, it will indicate that you’re not prepared for the task at hand. To make it clear, you’re here to tell a story.

Title or Cover Slide

This slide includes the Project name, your name and logo or a tagline.

Its purpose is to set a professional tone and grab attention from the start. Ensure it’s not cluttered with a lot of irrelevant information. The goal is to attract attention, and to be remembered as a professional individual or team.

Problem Statement

Don’t let the word “Problem Statement” mislead you. Just put a readable compelling title that highlights the problem you’re addressing and a realistic photo. If you have some statistics backup your problem statement, include some numbers precisely. If there is more space you may add a sentence or two about the problem. But make sure, everything is clearly visible and readable. Avoid over coloring this slide, it can be a white background and black bold text in a visible font size and family.

Ensure the problem relates with a real life example.

The primary purpose of this slide is to establish the need for your project and connect with your audience.

Solution Overview

Similar to the problem statement, it’s important to keep it simple. Fewer words with a compelling visual. Then walk the talk. A good title for this slide is your project name or tagline of your project name and screenshot of the most valuable feature in your project.

As you present, focus on telling us how you’re solving a problem through this project. In simple terms the message you tell us shouldn’t be disconnected from the problem. They should be connected in terms of context.

The primary purpose is to emphasize how you’re uniquely approaching the challenge and how different your solution is.

Project Features

This slide is about the Key features of your project. They can be accompanied with screenshots, demo video, mockups and / or interactive prototypes.

The primary purpose of this is to provide a clear image of what your website offers.

You’re advised to screen-record and include a quick demo video tutorial walking through how the user navigates your web project to solve a problem. The video should be less than 2 minutes. Dont rely on plans for live demo only as anything can fail while you’re on stage – e.g slow internet or server failure – in which case the demo video can suffice.

Market Analysis

Each solution is meant to address a problem affecting a target group of people (market). The proposer should make research about the different market trends to emphasize the likelihood opportunity for their solution. This is where terms can include Total Available Market, and Serviceable Available Market and figures can be used. The more accurate and honest you’re the easier you’re making it for yourself in future conversations.

The primary purpose of this is to demonstrate the demand for your solution and how well you and your team understands the market.

Revenue Model

Are you planning to make income from your solution? If yes, then how are you most likely to charge? Is it subscription based, one-time purchase or other forms. Some solutions are non-profit solutions but they generate income in order for them to be sustainable.

It’s important to think through this and do the needful in order to be realistic and achieve success while solving the problem identified.

The primary purpose of this slide is to demonstrate your plan of generating revenue (if applicable) and to show the financial viability and sustainability of your project.

Competitor Analysis

Most young and new innovators find it comforting to claim that there is no competitor for their solution. Yes, this maybe the case but do your research and you might be surprised. Without researching to find competitors you might implement an unaffordable solution and it might slow down your success.

The primary purpose of this slide is to show an overview of competitors and your projects’ unique advantages. To showcase your competitive advantage and how different you’re. Avoid playing a political game while presenting this slide.

Project Team

Pitch judges and potential investors like innovators who demonstrate leadership and teamwork traits. They know you can’t achieve it alone. And if you achieve it alone then probably everyone else can do it, then is it worthy?

On this slide show photos, short bios of team members and their roles, highlight your team’s strengths and qualifications.

Project Roadmap

By the time you applied to be given a platform to compete at the Uganda Website Project Competition we believe you’ve already done amazing work or at least you will do after submitting your application. This is where this slide becomes important, it will show the development plan, the important milestones you’ve achieved or want to achieve in the future and the timelines. What an opportunity to demonstrate your organized nature.

The primary purpose is to show a clear path to success and the project planning for your solution.

Call to Action – CTA

If you don’t have an Ask, then why are you pitching in the first place? Though there is a prize, if your project will be worked on long-term, you need support of various forms. Take your time, identify what form of support you need and use this opportunity to ask. But of course, you can only ask for one thing. Avoid coming off as greedy and directionless. Examples of things you may ask for are expert feedback, user testing, funding, new team members, partnerships etc.

For inspiration I have compiled a list of compelling CTA phrases, for your guidance, below. Check them out.

• Request for Support or Funding – Phrase: We need your support to bring this project to life. Scan QR code to donate or become a sponsor.
• Request for Feedback or Validation – Phrase: Share your thoughts on our project. Fill out our survey at the provided link and help us improve.
• Invitation to Use or Demo the Website – Phrase: Try our website for yourself! Visit our website for a free demo.
• Request for Networking or Collaboration – Phrase: We’re looking to network with like-minded individuals. Connect with us on LinkedIn.
• Encourage Voting or Advocacy – Phrase: If you believe in our project’s potential, please vote for us in the competition.
• Offer to Provide More Information – Phrase: For more details, visit the website or contact us directly.

The primary purpose of this slide is to guide your audience on what to do next, therefore make it clear and actionable, and encourage audience engagement.

Contact Information

Imagine the event is done, and someone is interested in supporting you but they didn’t take your phone number, this slide is where you put your high priority contact details like social media handles, email and phone number. Again, I won’t over emphasize enough how clear and readable this slide should be.

Surprise! You don’t need to have all these slides for this year’s maiden Website Projects Competition pitch day.

We want to encourage proper time utilization and give each competitor a chance to present without panic and having a lot to remember. For that reason, it’s good news that we have limited the number of slides to a maximum of 5. Okay! 6 if we count the contact information slide. To be precise, let your pitch deck include the 1. Title or Cover, 2. Problem Statement, 3. Solution Overview, 4. Project Features & Demo Video, 5. Revenue Model / Sustainability, 6. Call to Action and Contact information slides.

Also checkout our recent article: Comprehensive Guide to Delivering an Outstanding Pitch Presentation

Good luck and see you on pitch day!

We are thrilled to announce the shortlisted projects for the Uganda Website Projects Competition 2024, where creativity, innovation, and digital prowess take center stage, under the theme, “Problem Solving With WordPress“. Out of the 16 exceptional submissions received, 10 projects have been selected by our esteemed adjudicators through a rigorous vetting process.

Shortlisted Projects – Rising Stars Category:

• Provok – St. Mark’s College Namagoma
  Provok is a dynamic platform aiming to democratize IT education globally, offering a variety of courses and hands-on learning experiences.
• Big Green – St. Edward’s SS Bukuumi
  Big Green is an environmental conservation and awareness website dedicated to educating global audiences on environmental protection and pollution control through informative articles and blogs.
• STEGS Smart Study – St. Elizabeth Girls’ Secondary School
  STEGS Smart Study Project provides academic resources such as eBooks, educational videos, and links to online courses, aimed at bridging the gap in access to traditional learning materials.
• Skyray – Iganga Secondary School
  Skyray offers educational resources and support for students, parents, and teachers to navigate Uganda’s new lower secondary curriculum effectively.
• News Shelf – New Jerusalem Mixed Junior School
  News Shelf features a kids’ news portal, an art gallery, and interactive quizzes, all created by students to enhance learning and engagement.

Shortlisted Projects – Explorers Category:

• Local Farmers’ Market Website – Kampala International University, KIU
  The Local Farmers’ Market Website promotes local agriculture by connecting consumers with fresh produce and handmade goods through an online marketplace.
• Afrinova Creations Website – Makerere University Kampala
  Afrinova Creations showcases African culture through a curated collection of clothing, crafts, and foods, supporting African artisans and entrepreneurs.
• Diving into WebDesign and WordPress in Luweero Diocese – CoU Anglican Luweero Diocese Education ICT
  This project empowers ICT teachers within Luweero Diocese to teach web design and create active websites for schools using WordPress.
• Innovative Tune and Watch Pitch Awareness Wave – Makerere University Jinja Campus
  Innovative Tune and Watch Pitch Awareness Wave aims to provide entertaining media resources and informative community connections through an intuitive user interface.
• Edutech Blog – Kyambogo University / EduTech Club
  The Edutech Blog addresses the challenge of accessing educational technology awareness, offering valuable insights and resources through WordPress.

For those who did not make it to the finals:

To all participants whose projects did not advance to the finals, we extend our sincere appreciation for responding to our call for projects. Your have showcased remarkable commitment to leveraging WordPress for positive change. We encourage you to view this as a stepping stone in your journey of innovation. Register to attend via bit.ly/websitecompetitionug and join us at the Uganda Website Projects Competition 2024 to learn from presentations, gain valuable insights, and network with fellow enthusiasts. Let this experience fuel your determination to excel, and we look forward to seeing your continued growth and success in future competitions. Be sure to try again at the Uganda Website Projects Competition 2025!

Event Overview:

The Uganda Website Projects Competition challenges students to solve real-world problems using WordPress, fostering innovative thinking and essential skills in web development and design. Participants will present their projects to a panel of judges, honing their communication and presentation skills.

Date and Venue:

• Date: Friday, July 5th, 2024
• Venue: National ICT Innovation Hub, Uganda Institute of ICT (UICT), Nakawa, Kampala

Join us as we celebrate the ingenuity and dedication of these young minds at the Awards Ceremony, where outstanding projects will be recognized and awarded prizes in each category. Tickets can be purchased online using PayPal or bank cards. Alternatively, you can reserve tickets via the Google form to pay in Ugandan Shillings using Mobile Money. Here are the ticket categories:

• Discounted Attendee Ticket: $5 or UGX 20,000. Includes access to all activities, attendee tag, swag, workshop resources, internet access, breakfast, and lunch coupons.
• Actual Cost (Microsponsor) Ticket: $26 or UGX 100,000. Includes all benefits of the discounted ticket, plus a VIP treat, an event-branded T-shirt, and publicity.
• Community Sponsorship Ticket: $130 or UGX 500,000. Helps to discount tickets for more students to learn, innovate, and collaborate with WordPress! Includes two attendee tickets, two event T-shirts, a dedicated sponsor table, and logo publicity.

Get your ticket today!

NB: 3 free tickets will be given to each of the shortlisted project representatives!

By David Kuteesa, kinglinepress.com

Globally, mobile internet usage has seen a significant rise, making it essential for websites to be mobile-friendly. In Uganda alone, According to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), there were over 20 million internet users in Uganda by 2021, with a majority accessing the internet through mobile networks. A mobile-friendly WordPress site not only enhances user experience but also improves search engine rankings, as Google favors mobile-optimized sites in its search results.

Reflecting on my experience as a web developer for a safari company in 2015, I vividly remember the challenges we faced when Google introduced its mobile-friendly update. At that time, we had not focused on mobile optimization, making the transition quite difficult. This change in Google’s algorithm highlighted the importance of prioritizing mobile-friendliness from the beginning and it is a factor we have been so keen on at Kingline Press as a company. It served as a valuable lesson that investing in mobile optimization early on can save significant time and effort in the long run.

The How To

To begin with, selecting a responsive WordPress theme is crucial. These themes automatically adapt to various screen sizes, ensuring a seamless experience for users on smartphones and tablets. The WordPress repository offers numerous themes designed with mobile users in mind. Additionally, plugins like WP Touch or Jetpack can enhance your site’s mobile responsiveness by providing customization options tailored for mobile devices.

Testing your site’s mobile-friendliness is a key step in the optimization process. Utilize the Google Developer Console, specifically the Mobile-Friendly Test tool, to evaluate your site’s performance on mobile devices. This tool provides detailed feedback on issues such as text readability, clickable elements, and viewport settings, allowing you to make necessary adjustments. Regular testing is important to maintain optimization as your site evolves.

Loading speed is another critical aspect of a mobile-friendly site. In Uganda, where internet speeds can vary even among leading ISPs (Airtel and MTN), a fast-loading site is essential to retain visitors. Compressing images and using a caching plugin like W3 Total Cache can significantly improve load times. Furthermore, considering a Content Delivery Network (CDN) can help distribute your site’s content more efficiently, enhancing speed and performance for users across different locations.

Simplifying navigation for mobile users is also vital. Use clear, concise menus and ensure buttons and links are easily tappable. Avoid using large pop-ups or interstitials that can frustrate mobile users. Instead, opt for user-friendly alternatives like smaller banners or inline content.

Lastly, focus on continuous improvement. Regularly update your plugins and themes to ensure compatibility with the latest WordPress version and mobile standards. Monitor your site’s performance using tools like the earlier mentioned Google Analytics to understand how mobile users interact with your site and identify areas for improvement.

By following these best practices, you can create a mobile-friendly WordPress site that provides a smooth and engaging user experience for visitors but also for better ranking on search engines which means better business! Usability is one of the stipulated evaluation criteria for the Uganda Website Projects Competition 2024, and all competing teams are hereby tipped to mobile & speed – optimise their websites for excellence!

By Kasirye Arthur.

“Have you ever considered turning your hobby into a successful online business? For those of you who excel in handywork, create homemade products, or specialize in a specific style of clothing, WordPress with WooCommerce is the most helpful and user-friendly tool to elevate your store to the top.”

Create Your Own Online Store in WordPress: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

• 1. Choose A Reliable Web Hosting Service Provider: The company you choose will house your website’s data making it available online from anywhere across the globe.
• 2. Register a Memorable Domain: Choose a domain name that is instantly recognizable and effortless to spell, serving as your store’s digital address.
• 3. Set Up WordPress: Numerous web hosting providers offer streamlined, single-click WordPress installations, facilitating a swift initiation process.
• 4. Implement WooCommerce: This plugin will provide step-by-step guidance for configuring payment methods, shipping options, and other essential features.
• 5. Populate Your Product Inventory: Utilize WooCommerce to effortlessly upload images, create detailed descriptions, and define pricing for your products.
• 6. Choose a Theme: Browse through the free and premium theme options and select one that makes your products look good on the front end AND matches your branding.
• 7. Utilise the Power of Plugins. One of the major advantages of using WooCommerce is the ability to access plugins with various features that can be easily activated or deactivated – it’s the most appealing feature in my opinion! Incorporate plugins to enable customer reviews, wishlists, and social media integration on your store.
• 8. Heavy Promotion: Be active in promoting yourself through social media, writing interesting blogs, and thinking about paid advertising.

What makes WordPress the best option for building E-commerce websites.

• Familiar and User Friendly: It becomes familiar to people who have experience with blog platforms, making navigation around WordPress much, much easier. This can help you to concentrate on your products rather than the software they are built on top of.
• Free and Open-Source: WordPress is a free, and open-source platform. Though you will have to pay for hosting and buy a domain name. What this means is to think of Hosting in the case of your store as your Rent in the real world and the Domain tends to work as web address for your rented website shop. There are many international web hosting companies as Bluehost, GoDaddy, WordPress.com which can provide a bundle of domain and hosting. You can also contact local ones like Sharebility Web Services, Cursor Web Host or Kasirye Labs for assistance on this.
• WooCommerce: This free plugin can quickly transform any WordPress site into a powerful online marketplace. It allows for easy product integration, inventory management, and secure payment processing. With this, you can transform your website from selling services to selling digital and licensed products, as well as physical goods. It also supports the creation of multi-vendor stores similar to Jumia, eBay, or Etsy.
• Customization options: Create a store that matches your unique brand with a wide selection of themes and plugins. Be it a clean and minimalist design, or a color-overloaded craziness – WordPress gives you a set of tools to turn your wildest dreams into a reality – be that in templates, pagebuilders, and Full Site Editing – these are all for your UI and UX.

Creating an online store is hard work, but by using the powerful features of WordPress and WooCommerce, you can easily turn your plans into a profitable endeavor. Armed with a combination of careful planning and unbridled inspiration, you can quickly get your online storefront up and running and grow your love for a party into a successful business today.

I share below some powerful websites in Uganda leveraging woocommerce.

• shop.abryanz.com: a clothing line by famous Ahumuza Brian,
• trillionlooks.store: a handicraft Social enterprise with a mission to improve lives and communities of marginalized artisans in Uganda through helping them mass produce, market and sell their products to a global market place. We have built this Ecommerce platform to reach buyers across the globe.
• sagebuyers an iphone dealership in Uganda

Feeling Inspired? Take on the challenge to work on your WooCommerce project for the upcoming Uganda Website Projects Competition 2024 slated for Fri 5th July 2024 at the National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa – Kampala. Be sure to submit your project before 6pm on 20th June 2024!

By Joan Logose.

Often, we design stunning websites in Uganda, but run into challenges when it comes to processing transactions. Many websites showcase products beautifully, but lack the ability to complete the checkout process. 

In July, students will compete in the Uganda Website Projects Competition 2024, showcasing their websites under the theme “Problem Solving with WordPress.

If you’re presenting a website that handles transactions, you can impress the judges by integrating a functioning checkout system that supports multiple payment options. This could include transactions for product purchases, ticket sales, school fee payments, savings, fundraising, donations, tithes, and offertories.

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, having a reliable and efficient payment gateway is crucial for the success of any e-commerce business. For Ugandan websites, integrating the right payment gateway can make a significant difference in ensuring smooth transactions, enhancing customer experience, and driving business growth.

Key Considerations when selecting a Payment gateway in Uganda:

• Supported Payment Methods: Choose a gateway that supports the payment methods your target audience prefers, such as mobile money, credit/debit cards, and bank transfers.
• Ease of Integration: Consider your technical skills and the complexity of integration. Some gateways are easier to integrate than others.
• Security: Ensure the gateway offers robust security measures to protect your customers’ data.
• Transaction Fees/Pricing Plans: Carefully compare the pricing plans of different payment gateways, considering transaction fees, monthly fees, and any other associated costs.
• Customer Support: Choose a gateway with responsive and helpful customer support.
• Reputation and track record: Research the reputation and track record of the payment gateway providers to ensure they are reliable and trustworthy.
• Reviews: Read reviews from other users to get insights into their experiences and satisfaction levels.
• Customer support: Choose a payment gateway provider that offers responsive and helpful customer support in case you encounter any issues.

By following these tips, you can choose the best payment gateway for your Ugandan website and ensure a smooth and successful transaction experience for your customers.

Popular Payment Gateways in Uganda:

This guide explores the most commonly used payment gateways available for Ugandan businesses, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.

1. Flutterwave

Strengths:

• Wide Acceptance: Flutterwave supports various payment methods like credit/debit cards, mobile money (MTN, Airtel), Digital Wallet and Bank transfers.
• User-Friendly Interface: It’s easy to integrate and navigate, making it perfect for students who might not have extensive technical skills. They have a WordPress plugin
• Security: Flutterwave ensures secure transactions with advanced security measures.
• Multi-Currency Support: Supports transactions in multiple currencies, great for a website with an international audience.
• Payment Links: You can use payment links for easy payment collection, which means less integration work for you.
• Wide Coverage: It is found in a number of African countries, Europe and North America. 
• Easy Integration: Works well with platforms like WooCommerce, which is widely used in WordPress. They also have payment links which can be added to any website without extra plugins.

Weaknesses:

• Tedious Onboarding Process: Merchants used to self onboard, but this stopped and nowadays, one has to contact the company to do onboarding for and this can take a lot time.
• Occasional Delays: Sometimes, there can be delays in customer service as their operatives are mostly based in Nigeria.

2. DPO

Strengths:

• Comprehensive Solutions: Offers various payment options like credit cards, mobile money, and bank transfers.
• Security: Ensures transactions are secure with PCI-DSS certification.
• Global Reach: Supports multiple currencies and international transactions.
• Payment Links: Simplifies payment collection without extensive integration.
• Easy integration: They have a ready WordPress Plugin

Weaknesses:

• Tedious onboarding process: Be prepared to hand in a lot of paperwork. This is to help you with compliance though, which is an advantage to you as a merchant.
• No Mixed Use: They will demand that you don’t use the same site for both donations and sales, which could limit your site’s versatility.

3.Pesapal

Strengths:

• Local Adaptation: Tailored to the East African and neighboring market, making it highly relevant for your Ugandan site.
• Diverse Payment Options: Supports mobile money, credit/debit cards, and online banking.
• Event Management: Great for handling ticket sales and payments for events, which can add functionality to your site.
• Payment Links: Offers payment links, reducing the need for complex integration.

Weaknesses:

• Integration Challenges: Some find it tricky to integrate, so you might need extra time or help with this.
• No Donations: If your site needs to accept donations, Pesapal might not be the best choice.

4.DusuPay

Strengths:

• Extensive Reach: Connects with several payment methods across Africa, making it versatile for various payment options.
• Multi-Currency Support: Supports transactions in multiple currencies
• Easy Integration: Works well with platforms like WooCommerce, which is widely used in WordPress.

Weaknesses:

• Customer Support: Some users report slow customer support, which can be frustrating if you encounter issues close to your competition date.
• Complex Pricing: The pricing structure can be confusing, so you’ll need to do some homework to understand all the costs involved.

5.Mobile Money APIs (MTN Mobile Money and Airtel Money)

Both MTN and Airtel have developer tools to enable integration to your website.

Strengths:

• Widespread Adoption: Widely used in Uganda, making it a familiar and trusted option.
• Convenience: Fast and easy for customers to use their mobile phones for payments.
• Direct Integration: APIs for direct integration into your website, providing a seamless payment experience.

Weaknesses:

• Technical Integration: Requires technical knowledge to integrate the APIs, which can be challenging without help.

6. Yo Uganda

Strengths:

• Versatile Payment Options: Supports mobile money, bank payments, and online transfers.
• User-Friendly: Easy to integrate and straightforward to use.
• Local Focus: Tailored specifically for the Ugandan market, but popular among forex trading platforms. If you have ever received a payout from a forex trading platform, chances are that it was processed by Yo.

Weaknesses:

• Limited International Reach: Primarily focused on Uganda, which might limit international expansion.
• Custom service: Not readily responsive 

7. Bank Merchant APIs

Many banks like ABSA, Ecobank, Equity Bank, UBA, and others offer merchant services.

Strengths:

• Trust and Reliability: Banks offer secure and reliable payment processing.
• Comprehensive Services: Banks provide a range of financial services beyond payment processing.
• Lower transaction charges: Most banks have lower transaction charges for their merchant services compared to other payment gateways.

Weaknesses:

• Technical Expertise Required: Requires significant technical knowledge to integrate their APIs onto one’s website.
• Complex Integration: The process can be complex and time-consuming.
• Bank Account Necessity: You need to be an active customer at a particular bank to have their merchant account.

Other notable Payment Gateways in Uganda:

• Pegasus Technologies
• Beyonic
• Easy Pay Uganda

The list above does not encompass all the payment gateways available in Uganda; it focuses on the most prevalent and widely recognized options. However, choosing the right payment gateway for your Ugandan website can make a huge difference in your project’s success and impact on the audience.

Each payment gateway has unique strengths and weaknesses, so consider your specific needs, audience, and technical skills when making your choice. With the right payment gateway, you can enhance your website’s functionality, impress the judges, and stand out in the competition. 

Good luck!!

In the realm of website design, the adage “Content is King” remains as relevant today as ever. While aesthetics, user experience, and technical aspects are crucial, the content holds a paramount place in defining the success of any website. Quality content not only engages visitors but also drives traffic, boosts SEO, and builds brand credibility. As students finalize their projects for the Uganda Website Projects Competition 2024, it’s important to understand why prioritizing both the quantity and quality of content is essential. Here’s why quality content is the undisputed king in website design and why a rich volume of content matters.

Engaging Your Audience

First and foremost, content is the primary medium through which you communicate with your audience. High-quality, relevant, and valuable content captures the attention of visitors and keeps them engaged. Whether it’s informative blog posts, compelling product descriptions, or insightful articles, content provides the information users are seeking. Engaging content encourages users to spend more time on your site, explore further, and ultimately take the desired action, whether that’s making a purchase, subscribing to a newsletter, or sharing your content on social media.

Boosting SEO and Search Rankings

Search engines, like Google, prioritize websites with high-quality content. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) revolves significantly around content. Well-crafted content with appropriate keywords, meta descriptions, and backlinks can greatly enhance your website’s visibility on search engine results pages (SERPs). The higher your site ranks, the more organic traffic it will attract. Regularly updated, original, and informative content signals to search engines that your website is a valuable resource, thus improving your rankings.

Building Brand Credibility and Trust

Quality content helps establish your brand as an authority in your industry. When you consistently provide accurate, insightful, and useful information, you build trust with your audience. Trust is a critical component of brand loyalty. Visitors are more likely to return to your site, recommend it to others, and convert into customers if they perceive your brand as trustworthy and knowledgeable. High-quality content showcases your expertise and reinforces your brand’s credibility.

Enhancing User Experience

The user experience (UX) on your website is significantly influenced by the quality of your content. Content that is well-structured, easy to read, and visually appealing enhances the overall UX. Incorporating multimedia elements like images, videos, and infographics can make the content more engaging and easier to digest. Quality content also ensures that users can easily find the information they are looking for, reducing frustration and improving satisfaction.

Encouraging Social Sharing

Content that resonates with your audience is more likely to be shared on social media platforms. Social sharing can exponentially increase your reach and drive more traffic to your website. Shareable content also contributes to building a community around your brand, fostering interaction, and expanding your audience base. The more your content is shared, the more visibility and engagement your website receives.

Supporting Your Marketing Strategies

Effective content is at the heart of any successful marketing strategy. Content marketing, email campaigns, social media marketing, and even paid advertising all rely on quality content. Whether it’s creating compelling calls-to-action, developing informative whitepapers, or crafting persuasive ad copy, quality content fuels your marketing efforts and helps achieve your business goals.

Importance of Content Volume

While quality is crucial, the volume of content also plays a significant role. For an ecommerce site, a wide range of product listings can attract more buyers. A news site with frequent updates keeps readers coming back for the latest stories. An elearning platform with numerous courses offers extensive learning opportunities. A digital library rich with documents becomes an invaluable resource. Entertainment sites thrive on a constant supply of videos and audios, while photojournalist sites benefit from a vast collection of compelling images. Even the most beautifully designed website will fall short if it lacks sufficient content for users to consume. Readers will always spend more time on a site with abundant, rich content than one with sparse offerings.

Remember, content is king, but design is its loyal queen. High-quality design complements your content, making it visually appealing and easy to navigate. The perfect website is a harmonious blend of informative content and stunning design, working together to deliver an exceptional user experience.

In conclusion, while the design, layout, and technical aspects of a website are crucial, quality content remains the cornerstone of a successful online presence. It engages visitors, boosts SEO, builds trust, enhances user experience, encourages social sharing, and supports marketing strategies. Moreover, having a high volume of rich content ensures that your website meets the diverse needs of its audience, keeping them engaged and returning for more.

As students fine tune and finalize submitting their projects for the Uganda Website Projects Competition 2024 before the 20th June 2024 deadline, focusing on creating substantial high-quality content will be key to their success, in addition to other factors mentioned in our earlier article on the evaluation criteria. Remember, in the world of website design, CONTENT IS KING!

We invite students to participate in the Uganda Website Projects Competition – 2024 where your website projects could take center stage!

Why Participate:

• Showcase your WordPress skills and projects to a panel of industry experts.
• Gain valuable feedback and insights to enhance your projects.
• Connect with like-minded peers and professionals in the WordPress community.
• The chance to win awards and recognition for your exceptional work.

Event Details:

• Date: Fri 5th July, 2024
• Venue: National ICT Innovation Hub, located inside the Uganda Institute of ICT (UICT), Nakawa – Kampala, Uganda

How to Participate:

• Fill out the Project Submission Form:
• Submit Your Project: Send any additional project documentation or links to ugandacompetition@events.wordpress.org by 20th June 2024, 6pm.

Tips for Successful Submissions:

• Clearly articulate your project problem statement and objectives.
• Highlight the innovative aspects of your WordPress project.
• Include any relevant links or demonstrations to showcase your work.
• Provide a brief explanation of your development process.

Awards: Outstanding projects will be recognized during the Awards Ceremony, with prizes awarded to the best projects in each category: Rising Stars category (for Primary and Secondary Schools) and Explorers category (for Post-Secondary vocational schools, technical training institutes, universities, and colleges)..

Participate, innovate, and let your WordPress projects shine at the Uganda Website Projects Competition 2024!

Submission Deadline Extended to: 20th June 2024, 6pm.

Project Submission Closed! Thanks to all who submitted. Checkback soon for successfully shortlisted projects