IDLELO7

The National Information Technology Authority-Uganda (NITA-U) is pleased to announce the African Conference on Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and the Digital Commons (IDLELO) 2016.

As part of the efforts to promote FOSS in Uganda in line with the Draft Free and Open Source Software policy and Strategy, National information Technology Authority (NITA-U) has identified hosting of an Open Source Conference in Uganda as one of the promotion activities for Open Source in the region.

IDLELO summits have been held in Nairobi (2014), Abuja (2012), Accra (2010) and Dakar (2008) and Johannesburg (2006) and as a country that is renowned for its natural beauty and that has enjoyed a successful tourist industry for many years, Uganda is a proud natural choice for hosting the 7th meeting in this successful series.

The main objectives of the summit include to:

• Review and recommend resolutions to be adopted at a continental level
• Promote local community uptake of FOSS
• Promote the use of the FOSS model in Uganda’s development
• Promote the integration and adoption of FOSS in National Policies for countries in the COMESA regional bloc
• Use FOSSFA expertise & reach to add value to FOSS initiatives in Uganda
• Promote partnership in FOSS initiatives in Uganda and the region
• Appraise on Government Policy support of FOSS

Whether we work as individuals or with a multilateral or bilateral donor, an international corporation, consultancy or nonprofit group, we should all be contributing toward an unprecedented value of the open source model.