{
  "$type": "site.standard.document",
  "bskyPostRef": {
    "cid": "bafyreia4zeujkatjqr2ot4iechlafouct6kcfn43bhm67cr3dfksjynt74",
    "uri": "at://did:plc:25rdn5elo5izoxrmtis34zuk/app.bsky.feed.post/3mpggjdkthnh2"
  },
  "coverImage": {
    "$type": "blob",
    "ref": {
      "$link": "bafkreiawcefvxjismyjjfqh6fbwvm6auscf2x5v65xy7md655h3f6htj3q"
    },
    "mimeType": "image/webp",
    "size": 277694
  },
  "path": "/shakiran_nannyombi_b0bf41/from-an-idea-to-a-hackathon-lessons-from-organizing-build-with-ai-makerere-j03",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-29T11:12:43.000Z",
  "site": "https://dev.to",
  "tags": [
    "hackathon",
    "gemini",
    "ai",
    "mlh",
    "build-with-ai-makerere-hackathon",
    "@mlhacks"
  ],
  "textContent": "After months of planning, countless emails, sponsor outreach, community workshops, and late nights, we successfully hosted the **Build with AI Makerere Hackathon** in partnership with **Google Build with AI** and **Major League Hacking (MLH)**.\n\nThe event brought together student developers from universities across Uganda to build AI-powered solutions addressing real-world challenges using **Gemini** , **Google AI Studio** , and **Google Cloud**.\n\nAlong the way, I learned invaluable lessons about:\n\n  * Building partnerships and securing sponsorships\n  * Planning and organizing a hackathon from scratch\n  * Leading a growing developer community\n  * Navigating unexpected challenges\n  * 💡 Creating an environment where students could innovate and learn\n\n\n\nThis experience reminded me that community leadership isn't about having everything figured out—it's about learning, adapting, and bringing people together around a shared vision.\n\nI've written a detailed reflection covering the journey, the challenges, the impact, and the lessons I'll carry into future events.\n\n👉 **Read the full story here:** **build-with-ai-makerere-hackathon**\n\nI'd love to hear your thoughts or learn about your own experiences organizing community events!\n\nBuildWithAI GoogleAI GDG @mlhacks Hackathon DeveloperCommunity ArtificialIntelligence OpenSource CommunityBuilding Leadership",
  "title": "From an Idea to a Hackathon: Lessons from Organizing Build with AI Makerere"
}