By Ambrose Gahene,
GULU,
Gulu City will this October host a cultural tourism event dubbed: “Gulu City Oktoberfest 2025”. The event was unveiled at Golden Tulip Hotel in Kampala on Wednesday and attracted Gulu City political elites and business investors in a colorful interaction.
Hon. Alfred Okwonga, Gulu City Mayor, in his opening remarks said the event is expected to attract over 100,000 local and international participants. He said the Gulu City cultural tourism event shall run from October 6-14, 2025 at Bomah Hotel in the heart of Gulu City.
“The Gulu City Oktoberfest is a first of its kind cultural tourism event designed to position Northern Uganda as a premier destination for heritage, investment, and global partnerships”, he said.
Mr. Okwonga highlighted a line-up of activities to take place during the event to include; a citywide cultural parade, an investment and tourism symposium, a safari rally through Acholi sub-region, a food and beer expo with Bavarian and Ugandan offerings and a community marathon, fashion and crafts expos, plus a grand gala night.
Hon. Marin Mugara Bahinduka, the minister of state for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities was the guest of honor at the event launch. He hailed the Gulu City politicians, the business community and Gulu City Rotary Club for their tireless effort to support the Oktoberfest event. He said the cultural tourism festival is part of Government strategies to generate income for economic development.
“Government is committed to generate UGX 50 Billion from tourism alone by 2040”, he said.
Mr. Olum Tonachk Obita, the President, Gulu City Rotary Club, said their club is committed to promoting peace and environment conservation; through tree planting and provision of clean water to the communities in the City.
“The objectives of the festival lie within our programs to promote education and environment conservation. It’s going to be a rare festival of its kind”, he said.
Hon. Norbert Mao, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, attended the unveiling of the festival as “a son of the Acholi Sub region soil” and a longtime politician for Gulu City. He said, this is the time for Northern Uganda to boost its economic muscle, after many years of instability, brought about by insurgency groups.
“This festival is going to happen and Ugandans should support it. Gulu City is now open for business opportunities”, he said.
The Gulu City Oktoberfest event is also being supported by Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), Germany Embassy, Uganda Tourism Board and Gulu City Council. The festival will run under the theme: “Celebrating Our Heritage: The Heartbeat of Acholi Culture”.
