Wikimedia Community User Group Uganda/Board Elections 2025/Nuwahwera Phionah

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

To help us learn more about you and your candidacy, please complete the form below:

Candidate details

Name:NUWAHWERA PHIONAH

Username:NUWAHWERA PHIONAH

Photo:

Phionah at the 10th Anniversary for Wikimedia Community User Group Uganda

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 because I am passionate about promoting free knowledge and ensuring that underrepresented voices are heard in the Wikimedia projects and more importantly motivate my fellow ladies to bridge the gender gap.

I bring a diverse skill set that includes experience in community engagement and project management. My background in Economics equips me with the knowledge to plan and develop programs that can effectively reach and engage various demographics within Uganda. Additionally, my strong communication skills will help facilitate dialogue between the board and the community, ensuring that the needs and ideas of all members are considered in decision-making processes.

Through this role, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of governance within community organizations and the difficulties of managing collaborative projects. I am eager to learn more about the challenges faced by Wikimedia communities globally and how they overcome them. This experience will also allow me to build stronger networks with other Wikimedia contributors and organizations, which I believe is essential for the growth and sustainability of our local user group.

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 joined the user group in March 2021 where i got an opportunity to organize and take lead in the wiki gap campaign in Mbarara University since i was the minister responsible for Gender and Guidance in the guild council, this was one of its first unique kind of project since it was the first time it was happening in the university and since then i have continuously contributed to other projects like,Wiki loves Africa and wiki Loves Monuments.

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?

1. Organize workshops and edit-a-tons focused on Ugandan history, culture, and notable figures. Collaborate with local universities and cultural institutions to source reliable information.
2. Develop training programs and mentorship opportunities for new editors, particularly targeting youth and women to ensure diverse participation.
3. Establish formal partnerships with universities, libraries, and museums to create joint initiatives that promote content creation and knowledge sharing.
4. Conduct awareness campaigns and workshops that highlight the benefits of open knowledge, targeting educators, students, and the general public.
5. Implement initiatives that specifically encourage participation from underrepresented groups, including women, youth, and marginalized communities.
6. Foster regular community meetings, feedback sessions, and social events to strengthen community ties and encourage ongoing participation.

By focusing on these priorities, the Wikimedia Community User Group Uganda can enhance its impact, foster a vibrant community of contributors, and significantly improve the representation of Ugandan knowledge on Wikimedia platforms. These efforts will not only benefit local users but will also contribute to the global body of knowledge, promoting a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of Uganda.

Relevant Experience

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

I served as a Minister of Gender and Guidance MUST guild, I was also the Guild Representative on the University council which gives me a wide experience and Knowledge of laws and regulations that organizations must adhere to, Understanding of frameworks for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks within an organization, Skills in communicating and collaborating with various stakeholders, including shareholders and employees. Skills in interpreting financial statements, conducting ratio analysis, and understanding key performance indicators.