Wikimedia Community User Group Uganda/Board Elections 2025/Erina Mukuta

Thank you for your interest in running for the Wikimedia Community User Group Uganda Board Elections 2025.

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Candidate details

Name: Erina Mukuta

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Motivation and Contributions

Why are you running for the Wikimedia Community User Group Uganda Governing Board? What unique contributions would you bring to the board? What do you hope to learn through this role?

I am running for the Wikimedia Community User Group Uganda Governing Board to promote transparency and ensure the continuity of an initiative that began as a passion for the Ugandan community.

I bring a strong commitment to advancing the user group's mission—to empower individuals and communities to collaboratively create, develop, and share locally relevant content with open access. Additionally, I am dedicated to realizing our vision of cultivating a Ugandan community that champions the sustainable creation and utilization of open knowledge resources. My experience in managing the user group thus far has given me valuable insights into its operations, and I aim to enhance its success by implementing efficient processes and workflows that support volunteers and contributors in the open knowledge movement.

Through this role, I hope to gain a broader perspective on how the user group can maximize its impact and better serve the community. I look forward to exploring innovative ways to strengthen our initiatives and foster a more inclusive and engaged Wikimedia community in Uganda.

Wikimedia Experience

Please describe your involvement with the Wikimedia Community User Group Uganda and the wider movement, including: Contributions to Wikimedia projects, Participation in User Group activities..

I am a co-founder of the Wikimedia Community User Group Uganda, driven by a passion for fostering homegrown content creation through open knowledge platforms.

My contributions span multiple Wikimedia projects, including Wikipedia (both English and Luganda), Wikimedia Commons, Wikibooks, and Wikidata. Beyond contributing, I have actively trained and mentored volunteers, equipping them with the skills to contribute effectively to these platforms.

Additionally, I have served as a project lead for WikiEd and the Luganda Wikipedia, initiatives that have significantly contributed to the growth of two active communities engaged in Wikimedia projects. My experience in these roles has deepened my commitment to expanding participation and ensuring the sustainability of Wikimedia activities in Uganda.

Strategic Priorities

From your perspective, what should the Wikimedia Community User Group Uganda prioritize over the next 3–5 years? Why do you consider these priorities the most important?

Strategic Priorities for the Wikimedia Community User Group Uganda (Next 3–5 Years)

Expanding Local Content Creation: The user group should prioritize increasing locally relevant content on Wikimedia platforms, especially in indigenous languages like Luganda. This will help preserve Uganda’s cultural and historical heritage while making knowledge more accessible to diverse communities.

Capacity Building and Community Engagement :Strengthening the skills of contributors through training, mentorship, and outreach programs will ensure sustainable growth. Supporting new and existing volunteers with the right tools and knowledge will enhance their contributions and commitment to the movement.

Partnerships and Collaborations :Establishing strong partnerships with educational institutions, cultural organizations, and media houses will help scale Wikimedia projects. Collaborations will bring in new contributors, increase awareness, and ensure a steady flow of quality content.

Technology and Digital Access Initiatives: Addressing digital accessibility challenges, such as limited internet access and digital literacy gaps, is crucial. Promoting offline access solutions, mobile-friendly contributions, and advocacy for affordable internet will help bridge the digital divide.

Sustainability and Governance Strengthening: Ensuring the long-term sustainability of the user group through strategic planning, funding diversification, and effective governance structures is key. A well-organized governance model will support transparency, efficiency, and continuity in leadership.

Why These Priorities Matter

These priorities align with the mission of the Wikimedia movement to ensure free and open knowledge for all. By focusing on local content, capacity building, strategic partnerships, digital inclusion, and governance, the user group can create lasting impact while expanding its reach within Uganda.

Relevant Experience

Please describe any relevant skills and knowledge you have in areas such as, Governance, management, finance, leadership, or similar fields.

I have extensive experience in governance, leadership, and management, particularly within the Wikimedia movement and community-based organizations. As a co-founder of the Wikimedia Community User Group Uganda, I have played a key role in shaping the group’s structure, strategic direction, and operational workflows.

My leadership experience includes:

Governance & Organizational Management: I have been actively involved in decision-making processes, ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective coordination of user group activities.
Project Leadership & Coordination: I have successfully led projects such as WikiEd and the Luganda Wikipedia initiative, which fostered the growth of active contributor communities.
Financial Oversight & Budgeting: I have experience managing project funds, ensuring proper allocation of resources, and maintaining financial accountability in community-led initiatives.
Community Engagement & Capacity Building: I have trained and mentored volunteers, equipping them with the skills to contribute to Wikimedia platforms effectively.
Strategic Planning & Partnerships: I have worked on establishing collaborations with institutions and stakeholders to advance the mission of free and open knowledge.

Through these experiences, I have developed a strong understanding of community-driven governance, leadership dynamics, and sustainable project management, all of which I aim to leverage to strengthen the Wikimedia Community User Group Uganda.