Uganda Linux User Group

Launch of the Linux User Group Jinja

As you may know Kyle and I decided to attend the launch of our latest LUG chapter in Jinja. We drove down from Kampala on a Friday (cursing traffic most of the way), and hurriedly made our way to the Hackers for Charity http://www.hackersforcharity.org/ offices, once we had worked out exactly where they were. We need not have worried as in good tradition of all LUG meetings they started a few mins late. (Hope they weren't waiting for us).
It was here we got to meet Jonny Long and Jon Chamberlin our hosts for the event, Jonny is a security expert aka a Hacker, and did this for many years in the US. After a visit from his lovely wife Jen in 2006 and his own later they decided this was were they would do the most good in the world and moved here last year. We new from the moment we opened our mouths and started chatting geek, that Jon Chamberlin had struck a good ally to help host this chapter.

Jon and Jonny kicked things off with an introduction of the LUG and their own personal views on Open Source and IT, which I think by the permanent grin on Kyle and my own face struck a note. Jon then proceeded to tell the eager audience about Ubuntu, taking them through the most used features and showing that it isn't all the different from other Operating Systems. As always the conversation ebbed and flowed and we jumped in when we thought appropriate (always ;-)). I gave our standard demo of the RACHEL repository running on Kyle's N900 via the Joiku WiFi Hotspot software, which I think as always amazed the crowd. The crowd were very attentive and asked some great beginner questions, such as " How do you make money if everything is free" "Where can I get this software". We promised to help them get copies of any software they might need and send it up via the Bush Telegraph. At least until they get the Internet connection installed.

We finished up with a photo shoot and guest book signing with drinks and snacks. (See below) I think we both feel the Jinja chapter has a fantastic new home and we can't wait to visit again.

On a more personal note, I thought we'd also help announce the other place Jonny has opened. It's called "The Keep" and its a castle. Yes it has stone walls lanterns and serves some of the best cappuccino I have tasted anywhere, from the coolest Coffee machine in the world (it has a USB port!).

So if your heading to Jina check it out! They will be serving real buffalo wings.

Also on a personal note avoid the Kingfisher Safari lodge, we stayed the night and after discovering no hot water in the morning and being told "Sorry you should have told us last night", then being served the worst breakfast which we had to chase any how, we got treated to some pretty poor customer service. So please let everyone know stay somewhere else, anywhere else!

Well that's all for now. I've attached photos and video from the event so please check them out.