Captivating Moments: A Glance at the WP20 Celebrations in Jinja

The WordPress Jinja Meetup, in collaboration with WordPress enthusiasts from all corners of Uganda, embarked on a joyous journey to celebrate the 20th anniversary of WordPress. The WP20 celebrations, held on May 27th, 2023, unfolded in Jinja, leaving an indelible mark on the memories of all attendees. Let’s take a glimpse into the highlights of this spectacular event that brought together the vibrant WordPress community.

The day kicked off at The Innovation Village in Jinja, where members gathered for a hybrid session brimming with excitement. With the spirit of WordPress pulsating through the air, attendees delved into the history of WordPress, immersing themselves in its transformative journey. A special video message by Mike Little, the co-founder of WordPress, filled the room with inspiration and nostalgia.

The session continued with heartfelt testimonies from members who shared their WordPress stories, highlighting the impact the platform has had on their lives and businesses. The power of WordPress to foster creativity, connect people, and build thriving online communities resonated deeply with everyone present.

Engaging the attendees in an interactive manner, a lively Kahoot Quiz on WordPress put their knowledge to the test, sparking friendly competition and further igniting their passion for the platform. Even those who joined remotely from Masaka Meetup and other parts of the country via Zoom and YouTube felt the vibrant energy of the celebration.

Amidst the fervor of the event, the organizers took the opportunity to announce the upcoming 2023 WordCamps, which promise to be exceptional gatherings of WordPress enthusiasts. Attendees were encouraged to mark their calendars for the WordCamps in Kampala (August), Jinja (September), and Masaka (October), where they can continue to expand their WordPress knowledge and network with like-minded individuals.

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The celebrations took an enchanting turn as members, donning their WordPress t-shirts, embarked on a memorable 3.1-kilometer trek to the historic Uganda Railway Museum. The journey mirrored the transformative journey of WordPress itself, symbolizing progress, connection, and the vibrant spirit of the community.

At the museum, attendees were treated to another captivating presentation, delving deeper into the power of WordPress and its role in shaping the digital landscape. A film showcasing the illustrious history of the Uganda Railway further captivated the audience, bridging the gap between past and present.

The climax of the festivities arrived with the cutting of the grand #WP20 cake, a mouthwatering symbol of celebration and unity. As attendees indulged in delicious slices of cake and clinked glasses in toasts, the spirit of camaraderie filled the air. Group photos were captured, capturing the essence of the jubilant occasion and creating cherished memories to be treasured for years to come.

To relive the magic of the WP20 celebrations, we invite you to browse through the captivating photo album, showcasing over 200 photos that encapsulate the joy, camaraderie, and shared love for WordPress. Click on the link below to access the gallery: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/1kE0ZmuNtia7B8Tjie1ah62als2liotfY?usp=sharing

The WordPress Jinja Meetup and the entire community extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the WP20 celebrations. It is through the collective enthusiasm and dedication of individuals like you that the WordPress community continues to thrive.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates, as we gear up for the upcoming 2023 WordCamps. Let’s continue to embrace the spirit of WordPress, connecting, learning, and empowering one another as we journey into the future of this remarkable platform.

May the WordPress flame burn bright, illuminating our paths with creativity and endless possibilities.

Join Us in the Global WP20 Celebration with WordPress Jinja Meetup!

Hello, WordPress enthusiasts and friends of WordCamp Jinja 2023!

We are brimming with excitement as we gear up to mark a significant milestone in the WordPress journey – the platform’s 20th anniversary! Yes, it’s been two decades since WordPress first arrived on the scene, transforming the digital landscape with its open-source magic.

On May 27, 2023, communities worldwide will raise a toast to WordPress, reminiscing about the countless websites it has powered and the millions of dreams it has turned into reality. The WordPress Jinja Meetup, as proud organizers of WordCamp Jinja 2023, is thrilled to join this global celebration.

Our WP20 Celebration is more than just an event. It is a nod to the passion, resilience, and innovation that have steered WordPress through 20 remarkable years. We have arranged a virtual gathering on Zoom and YouTube, as well as an in-person celebration at The Innovation Village, Jinja, starting from 2:00pm EAT. Attendees can choose their preferred mode of participation based on their convenience.

The celebration promises a day filled with joy, learning, and camaraderie. Here’s what we’ve planned:

  • Share your WordPress anecdotes and cherished memories using the hashtag #WP20.
  • Listen to a special message from WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg.
  • Test your WordPress knowledge with fun trivia and quizzes.
  • Join our trek from The Innovation Village to the Uganda Railway Museum.
  • Indulge in a #WP20 birthday cake and refreshments.
  • And much more!

The Uganda Railway Museum is a national railway museum located along the Jinja-Iganga Highway at the Railway Station in Jinja City. Constructed in 1928, Jinja Railway Station is one of Jinja’s oldest, historical buildings. The Railway Museum contains artefacts from the days before the railway in Uganda, the life during the early days of railway development, the era of colonial expansion, and the railways after independence. It provides a unique backdrop for our WP20 celebration, symbolizing the journey of WordPress – much like a train, it started with a single station, chugging along with steadfast determination, now connecting millions worldwide.

Uganda Railway Museum entrance

This celebration is an excellent opportunity for attendees to explore this captivating landmark. The trek from The Innovation Village to the museum is nothing short of delightful, taking you through the vibrant streets of Jinja. Once at the museum, you can marvel at the historical exhibits, take photographs, and absorb the nostalgia that fills the air. Join us on this memorable journey as we commemorate the milestones of WordPress and the echoes of our past at the Uganda Railway Museum.

We believe that every member of our community has a unique WordPress story to tell, and this celebration is the perfect stage to share those stories. Register for the event at https://www.meetup.com/jinja-wordpress-meetup/events/292850959 and let’s celebrate our shared WordPress journey together. We have already received #WP20 swag from WordPress Community Support and are making arrangements for some t-shirts as well! Members can book through the form at bit.ly/wp20tshirts.

As we march towards WordCamp Jinja 2023, let’s kick off the preparations with this grand celebration. Let’s commemorate the past, celebrate the present, and toast to the future of WordPress together.

Looking forward to seeing you at the celebration!

Yours in WordPress,

The WordPress Jinja Meetup Team