Draft:OpenStreetMap Uganda

OpenStreetMap Uganda also known as MapUganda is a non-governmental organization in Uganda supporting collaborative mapping projects aimed at creating and maintaining free, open-source, geographic data for Uganda. It is part of the global OpenStreetMap project, which relies on a volunteer base to add and update map data through transparent collaboration. OpenStreetMap (OSM) offers a platform where users may gather information from surveys, analyze aerial photography, and import from other publicly downloadable geodata sources, guaranteeing that the maps are updated and correct on a regular basis and it is considered as the local chapter in Uganda for OpenStreetMap Foundation.

Background and overview
OpenStreetMap Uganda was started in 2012 and officially registered in 2017 with the objective of creating a comprehensive and detailed map of Uganda that is accessible to all. OpenStreetMap Uganda seeks to offer current mapping resource for a variety of uses, such as navigation, urban planning, disaster response, disaster preparedness, and community development. It does this by harnessing the power of crowdsourcing and user-generated data.

Mapping efforts
Volunteers in OpenStreetMap Uganda engage in various mapping activities to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the map data. These activities include on-the-ground surveys, where contributors physically collect data about roads, buildings, landmarks, and other geographic features. Additionally, volunteers can trace information from aerial imagery, enabling them to map areas that are not easily accessible or require remote mapping techniques.

Community partnership
OpenStreetMap Uganda depends on engagement of community participation. People from all backgrounds and areas of expertise collaborate to improve the map data by sharing their experience. For the purpose of enlisting new volunteers and advancing their mapping abilities, the community holds mapping events, workshops, and training sessions.

ADAI
Through African Digital Access Initiative, OpenStreetMap Uganda supports schools by providing ICT training and improving access to computers to bridge the digital divide and digital gender gap in education. OpenStreetMap Uganda under My School Today project has developed a program that integrates geospatial information and ICT skills in educational curricula beyond mapping schools. Earlier in 2022, they launched Africa Digital Access Initiative (ADAI), which provides ICT training and improving access to computers to bridge the digital divide in education.

Use cases
OpenStreetMap Uganda has established itself as a useful resource for a variety of internal purposes. Several prominent use cases include:

Urban planning and infrastructure development
Urban planners and local government agencies are supported by OpenStreetMap Uganda to learn more about current infrastructure and make development plans for the future. The extensive map information makes it easier to pinpoint areas that need to be improved, such as road systems, routes for public transportation, and utility services. OpenStreetMap Uganda and Knight Frank Uganda with support from the USAID under the Domestic Revenue Mobilisation For Development (DRM4D) Project created a comprehensive GIS-enabled property tax valuation rolls to ease collection of property tax for Mbarara City, Masaka City, Gulu City and Lira City.

Disaster response and humanitarian aid
OpenStreetMap Uganda plays a critical role in assisting disaster response activities during emergencies and natural catastrophes. The map data gives important information about the impacted areas, assisting organizations and first responders like Red Cross in navigating the areas and properly planning relief activities.

Community development and advocacy
NGOs and neighborhood associations use OpenStreetMap Uganda to address social issues and promote constructive change. In order to enable targeted interventions and resource allocation, the map data can be used to identify locations with insufficient access to fundamental services, such as healthcare facilities, schools, or clean water sources.

Collaboration with Wikimedia User Group Uganda
Wikimedia User Group Uganda and OpenStreetMap Uganda work closely together to improve the accuracy and usability of information about Uganda. Users can get more contextual information and learn more about certain locations and landmarks by connecting relevant OpenStreetMap features with Wikimedia Projects articles. The two projects work together as a result of the partnership between OpenStreetMap and Wikimedia User Group Uganda, boosting users' access to knowledge and their overall experience.