The sound of drums, the rhythm of dance, and the spirit of unity filled the air in Northern Uganda as Gulu City hosted its first-ever Oktoberfest — a seven-day celebration of culture, art, sports, and tourism.
The festival, officially launched by the Acholi Paramount Chief, Rwot David Onen Acana II, marked a new chapter in the region’s journey of cultural revival and international recognition.
Dubbed the Gulu City Oktoberfest, the event ran from October 6 to 14, drawing thousands of people from across Uganda and beyond in a vibrant showcase of music, food, art, and cultural diversity.
Rwot David Onen Acana II, while welcoming guests at the launch, described the festival as a symbol of peace and pride in Northern Uganda.
“All tribes are welcome to Gulu City during this season,” he said. “This is our time to celebrate who we are and to share our traditions with the world.”
Gulu City Mayor, Alfred Okwonga, described the Oktoberfest as a multicultural event that will now be held annually.
“This is not just for Gulu,” he said. “It’s for Uganda and for the world. We are showcasing our diversity while positioning Gulu as an international tourism destination.”
The Gulu City Oktoberfest was more than a cultural gathering — it served as a bridge between Acholi tradition and German heritage.
Borrowing from the world-famous Munich Oktoberfest, it infused Acholi energy through dance, drumming, and communal celebration.
Festivalgoers experienced a dynamic cultural exchange as Acholi performers shared the stage with groups from other Ugandan regions — including the Bagisu, Karimojong, Baganda, Alur, Madi, and Arua communities — each bringing their music, cuisine, and fashion to the fore.
The week opened with the Mayor’s Run, symbolizing unity and community participation, followed by a colorful cultural parade led by Mayor Okwonga through the streets of Gulu.
At Kaunda Grounds, the festivities reached a crescendo with the Cultural Gala, where performers from different tribes showcased Uganda’s vast artistic heritage.
Local artisans exhibited handmade crafts, jewelry, and artwork, attracting both visitors and buyers.
The Face of Acholi competition also debuted, celebrating beauty, intellect, and cultural knowledge, before a grand awarding ceremony held at Acholi Inn.
Aligned with tourism promotion efforts spearheaded by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), the Oktoberfest gave Gulu an opportunity to showcase its growing hospitality sector, promote local businesses, and attract investors and tourists to the north.
The festival coincided with the sixth round of the National Rally Championship — the Gulu City Rally — which drew 28 competitors across 240 kilometers of challenging terrain.
The race was held in memory of Rajiv Ruparelia, a businessman and rally enthusiast who died earlier this year.
The fusion of motorsport, cultural showcases, and live entertainment transformed Gulu into the beating heart of Northern Uganda — buzzing with energy, pride, and promise.
For many, the Gulu City Oktoberfest was more than an event; it was a statement of renewal. Years after conflict, the Acholi sub-region continues to rebuild its identity through art, music, and tourism.
As the drums echoed and dancers filled the streets, Gulu sent a message of resilience — that culture remains a powerful tool for healing, unity, and progress.
“This culture is going to be international,” Mayor Okwonga said — and after this year’s debut, that vision appears well within reach.
With plans to make the Oktoberfest an annual fixture, Gulu City is positioning itself as Northern Uganda’s cultural capital — where tradition meets tourism, and the beat of the Acholi drum welcomes the world.
