By Kintu Diana
Gulu City has this week emerged as a vibrant hub of culture and international exchange, hosting its very first Oktoberfest celebration, a festival traditionally associated with Germany. The event, which runs from October 6th to 14th, 2025, merges German traditions with the rich cultural heritage of the Acholi people and Uganda at large, signalling a new chapter in the city’s cultural and economic development.
The festival, themed “Celebrating our heritage, the heartbeat of Acholi,” is more than just a showcase of music, dance, and food. Organisers envision it as a bridge connecting Uganda to the global community while creating opportunities for trade, tourism, and cultural diplomacy.
According to the program, the event combines entertainment, business exhibitions, and cultural demonstrations to highlight Gulu’s potential as a destination for international visitors and investors.
At the main event on October 7th, His Excellency Ambassador Danny Ssozi, Uganda’s Ambassador to Germany, emphasised the festival’s broader significance. Speaking to a large audience at the Kaunda Grounds, he described Oktoberfest as “a bridge between heritage and innovation, between culture and enterprise, and between Uganda and the wider world.”
He stressed that while Oktoberfest is widely recognised as a festive folk celebration in Germany, its essence lies in heritage, pride, and togetherness—values that Ugandans similarly celebrate during national holidays like Independence Day.
The day’s events were a grand spectacle of national unity and cultural pride. A colourful parade marched from the Gulu City Mayor’s office to the Kaunda Grounds, led by Lord Mayor Okwonga Alfred and Ambassador Ssozi. Participants included dancers, musicians, and performers from across Uganda, representing diverse communities such as Agago, Lamwo, Bunyoro, Alur from Zombo, Bugisu from Mbale, Lugbara from Arua, Langi, and Karamojong from Moroto. The streets of Gulu transformed into a living festival of music, dance, fashion, and local talent, with riders demonstrating horsemanship and girls modelling traditional attire.
A standout feature of the festival was the German guests’ Bavarian-style outfits, which were entirely crafted in Gulu using hides and skins from local cows and goats. This not only highlighted Ugandan craftsmanship but also showcased how local products can meet international standards, offering potential for new business opportunities.
Economic development was a central theme of Ambassador Ssozi’s remarks. He encouraged attendees to imagine Gulu as a hub for industry and trade, citing examples such as locally processed leather transformed into Bavarian lederhosen or premium Ugandan beef exported to Europe.
He emphasised that such visions are achievable through international collaboration fostered by cultural events like Oktoberfest. The Ambassador also highlighted the partnership between Gulu City Council, the Rotary Club of Gulu City, and other organisations, noting how joint efforts can transform the city into a centre for commerce and cultural exchange.
Adding to the international dimension, German Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Peter Blomeyer, attended the festival, reaffirming the strong diplomatic and cultural ties between Germany and Uganda.
The festival was officially launched by Lord Mayor Okwonga Alfred, who served guests a traditional Ugandan brew, kwete, from a calabash—a gesture symbolising cultural pride and hospitality. A business exhibition accompanied the celebrations, featuring local products and businesses, further underlining the festival’s role in promoting economic growth.
The first-ever Gulu Oktoberfest represents a milestone for the city, signalling its emergence as a symbol of resilience, rebirth, and opportunity. By combining culture, commerce, and international friendship, the festival has positioned Gulu as a new frontier for tourism, business, and cross-cultural engagement, while celebrating the rich heritage of the Acholi people and the broader Ugandan community.