Today marks the beginning of WordCamp Europe 2025. A historic event that brings all of Europe together to celebrate the Force that powers 43% of the Website presence in the whole world. WordPress.WordCamp Europe 2025 is hosted by Basel, Switzerland. The 3 day event starts today with Contributor Day officially underway. All across the venue, the energy is high — ideas are being shared, connections are being made, and people are coming together to build something meaningful. Videos and photos being shared all over all platforms as can be
I was supposed to be there.
I had prepared. I had prayed. I had dreamed.
But I’m not there.
I’m home in Uganda, holding a visa rejection letter and nursing a deep sense of disappointment. Rejection.
The Build-Up
When I received the invitation to WordCamp, I was overjoyed. This was more than just a tech conference — it was a chance to be physically present in a community I’ve served and loved from behind a screen for years.The Letter announcing sponsorship was more exciting than fulfilling. I was on top of the world. Like an avenger, I felt unstoppable.
I spent days gathering documents, writing letters, and ensuring every requirement was met. I told everyone I will see them in Basel, my fellow contributors on the various WordPress teams that I am a member or mentee. Everyone that I have longed to have a conversation with. Matt,all excited to see him in person, discuss the WordPress and OpenSource project… When I remembered my WordCamp Nairobi 2024 Experience and the articles that followed
But all of that came crashing down with one short decision from the embassy: Visa Denied.
There was no time to appeal. No conversation. Just a missed opportunity and an empty seat where I should have been. Next up was Cancelling flight tickets, accommodation, trip itinerary among others.
The Aftermath
The emotional toll of a visa rejection is not just about the logistics — it’s about identity and belonging.
I kept asking myself:
- Did I not try hard enough?
- Was something wrong with me or my application?
- Why is it so difficult for people like me to access global spaces?
- Is it because I am from Uganda???
And then, as photos from WordCamp started to appear online — smiling faces, contributor teams, group selfies — it hit even harder. It felt like watching a family gathering you weren’t invited to, even though you helped set the table.
A Pain Shared by Many
Sadly, I know I’m not alone. Many talented individuals from Uganda and Africa face these challenges. We prepare, we hope, we pray — only to be stopped at a gate we didn’t build and can’t open ourselves.
It’s a quiet kind of pain — one that’s rarely talked about, but deeply felt. The system doesn’t just deny travel; it denies moments, memories, and the validation of being seen and valued.
Still a Contributor
Despite the rejection, my purpose remains unchanged.
Contributing to WordPress is not bound by geography. It happens in code commits, forum replies, translation strings, documentation, and the encouragement we give one another online. So today, while I’m not at WordCamp in person, I’m still part of the Contributor Day spirit — from Uganda. My heart is there, even if my feet aren’t. I contributed strings to translation. Contributed to the Community Team as I always do. Painfully but diligently
To Those Still Fighting
To anyone reading this who’s ever been denied a visa, overlooked because of where they live, or made to feel like they don’t belong — I see you. You matter. You still have a place in this community.
Don’t give up.
Keep building. Keep applying. Keep showing up however you can — online, in forums, in your local meetups. Because contribution isn’t defined by borders.
This Is Not the End
I believe my time will come. I’ll keep preparing. I’ll keep contributing. And when that visa finally arrives, I’ll walk into WordCamp not just as a participant, but as someone who never gave up.
Until then, I remain a proud WordPress Human — here, contributing from afar, and reminding others that our presence isn’t limited by location.
🙏🏽 Thanks for reading. If you’ve experienced something similar, feel free to share your story in the comments. Let’s make space for voices like ours.
