Micheal Kaluba
I have been an active contributor to the Wikimedia movement since 2020, focusing on bridging knowledge gaps, promoting open data, and integrating geospatial information with Wikimedia platforms. As the Project Lead for WikiGap 2024 & 2025 under Wikimedia Community User Group Uganda, I have worked to increase the representation of women and marginalized voices on Wikipedia. Additionally, I serve as the Treasurer (2025-2027) for the Board of Directors of Wikimedia Community User Group Uganda, contributing to strategic planning and financial management for Wikimedia initiatives. My work at OpenStreetMap Uganda as a Field and GIS Training Associate allows me to connect geospatial data with Wikimedia projects, enriching Wikidata and Wikipedia articles with location-based knowledge. I have led training programs on OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, and Wikimedia Commons, empowering communities to engage with free and open knowledge platforms. I actively advocate for open data, digital literacy, and knowledge equity through edit-a-thons, mapping projects, and Wikimedia campaigns. As the Wikimedia movement celebrates Wikimania@20, I remain committed to expanding Wikimedia’s impact in Uganda and Africa, strengthening collaborations between Wikimedia, OpenStreetMap, and public institutions, and ensuring African knowledge is well-represented in Wikimedia’s global ecosystem.
Session
Community & Public libraries play a crucial role in knowledge dissemination, digital access, and literacy. However, many libraries in Uganda remain undocumented, making it difficult for communities and policymakers to support them effectively. This session will showcase how OpenStreetMap (OSM) and uMap have been used to map community public libraries across Uganda, creating an open, accessible dataset that benefits researchers, policymakers, and the general public.
We will explore the methodology used in mapping these libraries, data collection challenges, and how Wikimedia projects can integrate and amplify such open datasets. Additionally, we will discuss how community-driven mapping efforts can bridge digital access gaps and partnerships in the Global South.