Norah Betsy Namugwere receives the Yoast Care fund for her contribution to the WordPress community

Meet Norah Betsy Namugwere, a valued member of the WordPress Community Team! Andrew Kedi nominated her for the Yoast Care fund because of her commitment and valuable contributions. Let’s learn more about this WordPress enthusiast.

Nominator Andrew Kedi: “Norah is a passionate educator and EduTech trainer based in Jinja, Uganda. She is a long-time WordPress contributor who has consistently dedicated her time and expertise to supporting the global and local WordPress community in meaningful and unpaid roles. Her involvement in the WordPress ecosystem reflects a strong commitment to open source values, digital empowerment, and inclusive learning.

Norah’s contribution to WordPress events in Uganda is remarkable. She served on the organizing teams for WordCamp Jinja 2022 and WordCamp Jinja 2023, and was also part of the organizing team for the Website Projects Competition 2024. In 2023, she was a speaker and trainer during the Kids Camp at WordCamp Kampala, where she mentored young children and introduced them to website building using WordPress in a fun and relatable way. She also volunteered at WordCamp Mukono 2025, supporting event coordination and community outreach. Most recently, she supported the beginners workshop on Full Site Editing (FSE) at WordCamp Masaka 2025, where she helped newcomers understand and explore WordPress’s evolving design capabilities. Norah is also lined up to speak at the upcoming WordCamp Lira 2025, continuing her tradition of giving back to the WordPress community.

Beyond WordCamps, Norah is a changemaker in her local environment. Through her initiative under the #EdifyEdTech and EduTech Teachers Network, she trains teachers to integrate WordPress and other digital tools into classroom teaching. She also supports children in developing digital projects through EduTech Clubs, promoting creative use of technology among young learners. Her personal mission centers on lifelong learning, digital empowerment, and building inclusive digital communities, especially for women and young people.”

Let’s get to know Norah Betsy Namugwere

Those are some lovely words by Andrew. Let’s get to know Norah Betsy a bit better and ask her some questions about her work and passion for WordPress:

Hi, Norah Betsy! What do you do in the WordPress space?

I wear several hats as a content creator, EduTech trainer, and active contributor. I’ve also involved myself in organizing, volunteering, and speaking at various WordCamps, including Jinja, Kampala, Masaka, and Mukono, as well as the Website Projects Competition in Uganda. These opportunities allow me to mentor learners and share knowledge, all while building stronger connections in the WordPress ecosystem. Through these activities, I aim to inspire others to use WordPress not just as a tool but as a platform for growth, creativity, and community impact.

How did you first discover WordPress, and why did you start contributing?

I discovered WordPress in 2021 when I helped my uncle manage the KAWA e-learning platform. That experience opened my eyes to how flexible, powerful, and user-friendly WordPress is for building impactful projects. By 2022, I began formally contributing because I wanted to give back to the same community that had empowered me. I got involved as part of the organizing team for WordCamp Jinja 2022 and 2023. Contributing became a natural extension of my teaching and training work, allowing me to amplify my mission of digital empowerment beyond the classroom.

What excites you most about WordPress?

Its continuous innovation, and right now, Full Site Editing (FSE) is one of the features that inspires me the most. The idea that someone new to technology can use blocks to design headers, footers, and entire layouts without limitations or the need for third-party page builder plugins is very powerful. FSE breaks barriers and fosters creativity, which excites me as a trainer because it means the WordPress core software is sufficient for beginners to work on a complete website.

What advice would you give to someone just starting with WordPress?

My biggest advice is to start small and embrace the learning process. Create your first blog, personal portfolio, or community site, and allow yourself to experiment and learn by doing. Mistakes are part of the journey, and each step builds confidence.

Beyond the platform itself, I encourage newcomers to join the community by attending local meetups, WordCamps, or even online contributor groups. WordPress is not just software; it’s a family of supportive people willing to share their knowledge. By connecting with others, you’ll discover that WordPress is both a powerful tool and a path to personal growth. With patience and curiosity, you’ll soon realize you are not only building websites but also building skills, networks, and opportunities.

Where can people connect with you? Online, at WordCamps, or other meetups?

I’m always open to connecting, whether online or in person. You can reach me through my personal website, where I share my work and updates, and I also actively share insights on social platforms like X. On the community side, I regularly participate in WordCamps and other local WordPress events in Uganda. I’m excited to be speaking at WordCamp Lira 2025. These events are wonderful opportunities to learn, network, and collaborate.

Whether online or face-to-face, I enjoy connecting with educators, creators, and tech enthusiasts who share a passion for making a difference with WordPress.

Thank you for this interview, Norah Betsy, and for all your contributions to the WordPress community! Do you know someone like Norah Betsy Namugwere who also deserves to be in the spotlight? Go to our Yoast Care page and nominate them right away.