In October 2025, Gulu City in northern Uganda proudly hosted its very first Oktoberfest, a dynamic cultural event that brought together local traditions with international flair.
This festival was not just a celebration of beer and music, as Oktoberfests traditionally are in Germany, but a meaningful fusion of Acholi culture and global influences. Taking place over several days from October 6 to October 14 at the expansive Kaunda Grounds, the event marked a significant milestone for Gulu as it sought to assert itself as a regional center for tourism, culture, and economic development.
The launch of Gulu’s Oktoberfest attracted notable dignitaries including Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs Nobert Mao, State Minister for Tourism Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, and the city’s mayor, Alfred Okwonga. Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to using cultural festivals as tools for social and economic transformation. Mayor Okwonga, in particular, highlighted the importance of leveraging Gulu’s unique Acholi heritage, alongside fresh international concepts, to foster unity, create employment opportunities, and attract tourists not only from Uganda but from neighboring countries and beyond.
The festival’s programming was rich and diverse. Central to the celebration were traditional Acholi dances and music that enthralled attendees with their energy, storytelling, and historical significance. The Acholi people have a vibrant cultural identity characterized by rhythmic dance forms such as the Bwola dance, which was prominently featured. Cultural exhibitions showcased local crafts including beadwork, basket weaving, and traditional attire, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty and complexity of Acholi artistry.
Gastronomy played a pivotal role in the Oktoberfest. Stalls offered an array of both local and international delicacies, from grilled meat and traditional Acholi dishes like kwon (millet bread) to German sausages and beers imported especially for the occasion. The fusion of tastes symbolized the blending of cultures that the festival aimed to achieve, satisfying both locals and international visitors. This culinary exchange also provided an avenue for local food vendors and entrepreneurs to expand their market reach and showcase the richness of Ugandan cuisine.
Beyond entertainment, the Oktoberfest in Gulu was designed with a strong developmental agenda. A notable feature was the innovation showcase, which spotlighted young entrepreneurs and inventors from Gulu and surrounding areas. From sustainable agricultural tools to renewable energy solutions, this segment aimed to inspire youth involvement in economic development and technological progress. Workshops and panel discussions were held, focusing on how to harness cultural assets for economic benefit, tourism growth, and community empowerment.
One of the key outcomes of the festival was its contribution to community welfare. Profits from the Oktoberfest were reinvested into several local initiatives. For instance, environmental projects like tree planting campaigns and wetland conservation programs were funded, recognizing the crucial role of a healthy environment in sustainable development. The city also used some of the proceeds to improve public infrastructure, including solar-powered street lighting to enhance safety and extend business hours into the evening.
Education received a strong boost as well, with scholarships awarded to promising students pursuing tourism, hospitality, and cultural studies. This investment in education was part of a long-term vision to develop a skilled workforce capable of supporting Gulu’s growing tourism sector. Additionally, the funds supported the beautification of public spaces, making Gulu more attractive to visitors and instilling pride among residents.
Cultural preservation and promotion were central to the Oktoberfest’s goals. An annual awards program was introduced to recognize outstanding contributions in music, storytelling, traditional crafts, and academic research related to Acholi culture. This initiative not only encouraged excellence but also fostered a sense of pride and continuity within the community, encouraging younger generations to embrace their heritage.
The festival also served as a platform for promoting peace and unity in a region that had previously experienced conflict. By celebrating shared culture and inviting diverse participation, the Oktoberfest contributed to social cohesion and reconciliation efforts. It provided a positive narrative for Gulu, shifting perceptions from one of past hardship to future opportunity.
Mayor Alfred Okwonga articulated a vision where the Gulu City Oktoberfest would become an annual event, growing in scale and influence. The goal is for Gulu to be recognized nationally and internationally as a cultural tourism destination, generating jobs, attracting investments, and fostering partnerships across borders.
The Rotary Club of Gulu City, which spearheaded the organization of the event, emphasized the festival’s dual mission: to celebrate culture and to serve the community through ongoing social projects. Their commitment has positioned the Oktoberfest as not only a fun gathering but also a meaningful catalyst for development.
In its first year, the Gulu Oktoberfest attracted thousands of attendees, including tourists from Kampala, neighboring East African countries, and even Germany. The presence of international visitors helped spark cross-cultural exchanges and opened doors for future collaborations. Media coverage and word-of-mouth buzz around the event created positive momentum, encouraging local businesses to prepare for even larger festivals in the coming years.
The inaugural Oktoberfest in Gulu City was a groundbreaking event that combined cultural celebration with purposeful development. By fusing Acholi traditions with international festival elements, Gulu set a precedent for cultural diplomacy and community-driven growth. The festival helped reinforce Gulu’s identity as a resilient, vibrant city with enormous potential to contribute to Uganda’s tourism industry and regional unity. Looking forward, the Oktoberfest promises to be a beacon of cultural pride and economic vitality, inspiring similar initiatives across Uganda and the wider region.
