<pre> The Open Source Software Weekend 2006 The Open Source Software Weekend is an annual event that provides an excellent opportunity for Private comapnies, NGOs, Government departments and academic institutions to explore the potential of using Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). Having been held for the first time in 2005 in Kampala, Uganda, the event has turned into an annual one and this year's event is slated for 26th -28th May 2006. This event is looked at as one that can expose FOSS, its opportunities and case stuides to the general public. The event theme is "Achieving Progress through software freedom". Below are some Aims of the event; - Increase FOSS awareness among ICT end users, policy makers and technical personnel. - Create Linkages and partnerships among the various stake holders in the ICT sector through networking to promote sharing of FOSS resources, information and skills - To build FOSS capacity among ICT end users and technical personnel through the provision of training, educational resources and software. - To show case innovative FOSS solutions implemented in Uganda. - To enable FOSS practitioners have a greater understanding of the public's needs. Participation to this event is open to any one who can make it. The venue will be the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology and sessions will be running daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm. There will be great speakers from the corporate, Government and community based organisations. There is something to learn for every one. Organisations are invited to participate in a free exhibition that will run for two days. Programme line up: 26th May 2006 9:00 am – 12:30 am Management Workshop – "Cost effective IT Solutions" 2:30 pm – 6:00 pm Techies Workshop - "Systems Administration implified. The freedom of FOSS" Day long exhibition by companies. 27th May 2006 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Community FOSS Solutions - "FOSS for community benefit" 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm FOSS Unleashed – Demonstration of FOSS hacks and solutions Day long exhibition by companies. 28th May 2006 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Free and Open Source Software support on Migration,Career guidance, Technical Support, Installation and CD burning. This year's event has been fully sponsored by The East African Center for Open Source Software (EACOSS) and The Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET). Organisational support has been offered by Linux Solutions, Uganda Institute for Communication Technology, Linux Chix Uganda and members of the Ugandan FOSS community. For further inquiries on participation, write to <a href="http://www.linuxsolutions.co.ug:2095/3rdparty/squirrelmail/src/compose.php?send_to=info%40eacoss.org"> info@eacoss.org</a> or call +256 752 808889. </pre> -- Evelyn Namara Technical Support Engineer Linux Solutions P.O.BOX 26192, Kagga House, Bugolobi Kampala, Uganda +256782795320