By KT Reporter
The first-ever Gulu City Oktoberfest has been launched. The festival will be held from October 6th to 14th, 2025, at Kawunda Grounds in a bid to promote culture and Tourism.
The event, which was unveiled by the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs Nobert Mao, State Minister for Tourism Martin Mugarra Bahinduka and Gulu City Mayor Alfred Okwonga, is envisioned as a transformational celebration that will position the city as a cultural, tourism, and economic hub for northern Uganda and the country at large.
Speaking at the launch at Goilden Tulip in Kampala, Mayor Okwonga described the festival as a strategic initiative aligned with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV, with the core aim of showcasing Acholi and Ugandan cultural heritage, promoting local businesses, and enhancing tourism.
He emphasised that the festival would bring together people from all corners of Uganda, ranging from the Ankole, Toro, and Bunyoro regions, to Busoga, Karamoja, Teso, Buganda, and West Nile to foster cultural unity and national pride.
The Mayor noted that international guests, particularly from Germany and other parts of Europe, are expected to attend, making the event a platform for cross-cultural exchange and global engagement.
Beyond cultural exhibitions, the event will incorporate a wide range of activities, including excursions to national tourist sites such as Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo Forest, the Albert Nile Ferry, and other natural and historical attractions.
Mayor Okwonga explained that this would not only promote cultural tourism but also environmental conservation and eco-tourism, with proceeds from the festival earmarked for tree planting, wetland protection, installation of solar lighting, education and beautification of the city.
In addition to environmental efforts, part of the revenue will be invested in improving school infrastructure and offering scholarships, especially in tourism-related fields. The festival also aims to establish an annual cultural awards program, recognising outstanding universities, performers, storytellers, and artists, thereby motivating excellence in Uganda’s creative industries.
The Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, commended the Gulu City leadership for organising the festival. He noted that events such as Oktoberfest are essential for achieving the ministry’s goal of increasing tourism revenue from 50 billion shillings to 500 billion by 2040.
He emphasised that tourism should not be narrowly defined, explaining that both foreign and domestic visitors, including students, businesspeople, and even those coming for leisure or traditional experiences, contribute significantly to the sector.
He pointed out that Uganda welcomed just over 4,000 German visitors last year, a number he said must increase through such festivals, which serve as magnets for international tourism. Drawing comparisons with the massive global attendance at the Munich Oktoberfest and similar cultural festivals, he noted that such events can have powerful economic ripple effects, benefiting transport operators, hotels, restaurants, and small-scale vendors. He also highlighted the opportunity to promote unique local beverages and traditional cuisines that reflect Uganda’s diverse identity.
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao brought a passionate and humorous tone to the proceedings. As a native of Gulu, he described the Oktoberfest as a moment of pride and revival for a region that endured two decades of conflict. He noted that Gulu is now open for business and celebration, and that the festival is not just about beer or entertainment, but about culture, unity, and resilience.
Mao declared himself the “chief morale booster” of the Oktoberfest, pledging to support its national promotion and calling on Ugandans from all walks of life to attend and be part of history.
The minister thanked the Ministry of Tourism, Rotary International, Uganda National Oil Company, Uganda Tourism Board and Bommah Hotel the Rotary Club of Gulu City, and all other stakeholders for supporting the initiative, and humorously lobbied beer companies to sponsor the festival.
He emphasised that while beer may be associated with Oktoberfest traditions, the deeper value lies in the conversations, storytelling, and cultural experiences it facilitates. He welcomed traditional performers, artists, chefs, and even motorsport enthusiasts to use the platform to showcase Uganda’s unique cultural fabric.
Organisers clarified that the festival will be entirely family-friendly and respectful of Ugandan and African cultural norms. Attendees are encouraged to bring their children and loved ones, with programming tailored to be educational, inclusive, and celebratory.
Target participants include local and international tourists, artists, families, youth groups, the private sector, religious and cultural institutions, NGOs, and government agencies including Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Wildlife Authority, and the Uganda National Cultural Centre.
The festival is expected to continue annually, each year, so as to build stronger ties locally and internationally and lay the groundwork for northern Uganda’s emergence as a vibrant economic and tourism corridor.
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