TL;DR

Please join our Mombasa, Kenya chapter of Ubuntu LoCos (we are planning for an Extended Ubuntu Summit, 2025):

https://launchpad.net/~ubuntu-mombasa

I had no idea that Ubuntu (from Canonical) had such a community! I only learnt about that during DjangoCon Africa x UbuCon Africa.

It was from a great and an inspiring talk by Sebastian Trzcinski-Clément, From Einstein to monkeys: learnings for successful leaders.

Ooh, and btw, Sebastian had an amazing and very engaging session that made me think about something … (well, not a billion-dollar idea). It sparked a great reflection on how developer communities are run and all that!

So back to the real talk:

Ubuntu Local Communities: What They Are and Why They Matter

Ubuntu has always been more than just an operating system; it is a global movement grounded in collaboration, openness, and community spirit.

While the software itself is at the heart of the project, Ubuntu’s true strength lies in its people. To channel this collective energy, Ubuntu Local Communities (LoCos) were created—regional teams of enthusiasts dedicated to promoting Ubuntu, supporting users, and driving open-source adoption at the grassroots level.

What Are Ubuntu Local Communities?

https://ubuntu.com/community/local-communities

Ubuntu Local Communities, or LoCos, are groups of Ubuntu enthusiasts who work together in specific regions, countries, or cities to spread Ubuntu and free software.

Their objectives include:

  • Promotion: Advocating for Ubuntu through local events, workshops, and release parties.
  • Support: Helping newcomers install and use Ubuntu while providing troubleshooting guidance.
  • Localization: Translating Ubuntu into local languages and adapting it for regional use.
  • Community Building: Creating inclusive spaces where open-source culture thrives.

Why Do LoCos Exist?

Ubuntu grew rapidly worldwide, and individual users needed a way to collaborate beyond online forums. LoCos emerged as a natural solution, enabling users to:

  • Connect Locally: Meet and network with other Ubuntu users in their area.
  • Organize Events: Run installation fests, translation sprints, and conferences.
  • Bridge Global and Local: Act as a link between Canonical/the wider Ubuntu community and grassroots adopters.

LoCos are open to anyone interested—whether a beginner exploring Ubuntu for the first time or an experienced developer contributing code and translations.

The Importance of Ubuntu Local Communities

LoCos play a critical role in sustaining Ubuntu’s mission. Their importance can be understood in several dimensions:

  1. Community Engagement LoCos make Ubuntu tangible. Instead of just downloading software, users can join a community, attend events, and feel part of something bigger.

  2. Localization and Accessibility By handling translations and regional adaptations, LoCos ensure Ubuntu is not just available globally but also relevant locally. This fosters digital inclusion and empowers non-English speaking communities.

  3. Pathways to Contribution Participation in LoCos provides a clear path to deeper involvement. Many Ubuntu Members and contributors began as LoCo volunteers, gaining recognition and skills along the way.

  4. Strengthening Open Source Ecosystems LoCos help build local capacity for open-source adoption. Through events and advocacy, they influence schools, businesses, and governments to embrace Ubuntu and free software.

  5. Networking and Opportunities LoCos offer access to sponsorships, exclusive merchandise, and professional networks. For many, they are a stepping stone into the global tech community.

Relationship with the Ubuntu Summit

The annual (soon semi-annual) Ubuntu Summit showcases innovation and brings the community together. With the introduction of Ubuntu Summit Extended, LoCos are central to the event’s distributed model—organizing watch parties, release parties, and meet-ups around the world.

This ensures that even those who cannot travel to London or other hubs can participate, learn, and celebrate Ubuntu with their local peers.

Conclusion

Ubuntu Local Communities embody the Ubuntu philosophy: “I am because we are.” They transform Ubuntu from software into a living, breathing ecosystem of people.

By connecting enthusiasts, supporting users, and empowering local innovation, LoCos ensure that Ubuntu remains not just a tool, but a global movement rooted in collaboration, inclusivity, and shared growth.