Resolving ImportError: No module named 'gi' when using Anaconda | Ibus Preferences/ibus-setup not opening

Using anaconda as your python virtual env can cause some confounding issues sometimes. It didn't disappoint me this time around. When opening Ibus preferences or ibus-setup, I got this error: ImportError: No module named 'gi'.

To solve this problem, first make sure you have gi installed. Then you want to create a soft link so Anaconda's python can load the module from your system install.

1. Run your system python install /usr/bin/python3

2. See the path to gi

   • import gi
   • print(gi)
   • exit()

3. Create a softlink. Make sure both python versions match. Otherwise an error may occur.

   • ln -s /usr/lib/python3.8/site-packages/gi/ ~/miniconda3/lib/python3.8/site-packages/(Change the path correctly according to your system)

4. Test if you can import in your anaconda python install

   • python
   • import gi
5. Your Ibus preferences should run now.