Gulu city maiden Oktoberfest kicks off
The festival, the first of its kind in Gulu City, officially kicks off today, October 6, 2025, with numerous businesses already setting up their booths.
The entrance to Kaunda Grounds where the festival is being hosted. (Photos by Jesse Johnson James)
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Gulu City’s Kaunda Grounds is abuzz with excitement as the city hosts its maiden Oktoberfest, marking the start of an eight-day celebration that promises fun, culture, and entertainment.
For the next week, revellers from across the country and beyond are expected to be treated to a range of drinks, from beers and wines to local brews, alongside music, cultural dances, traditional cuisines, and art exhibitions, among others.
A craft shop is already up and running with potential buys viewing items of choice.
The festival, the first of its kind in Gulu City, officially kicks off today, October 6, 2025, with numerous businesses already setting up their booths.
Participants include craft shops, cafés, restaurants, lounges, bars, board-game corners, cosmetic stalls, and photo booths, among others.
What is Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest, originally held in Munich, Germany, is an annual two-week festival that ends on the first Sunday of October.
Boys viewing a photo collection on display at Kaunda Grounds.
It traces its roots back to October 12, 1810, when it was first celebrated to mark the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Louis I of Bavaria) and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.
Over the years, cities worldwide have adopted their own versions of Oktoberfest, and Gulu city now proudly joins that list, an initiative credited to city mayor Alfred Okwonga.
Lightray stall where coffee and snacks are being sold.
A variety of activities have been lined up throughout the week, including a cultural gala (October 8, 2025), massive entertainment and fireworks display (October 9, 2025), motor rally (October 10, 2025), and a fashion show (October 11, 2025), among others.
The official opening ceremony, scheduled for tomorrow (Tuesday), will be graced by several visiting city mayors and dignitaries from Germany, led by Dr Wolfgang Wiedmann, in a show of partnership and cultural exchange.
Among the city mayors already in attendance are Sam Atul of Lira city, Brian Kaboyo Adyeeri of Hoima City, and Cassin Namugali of Mbale City.
Okwonga hailed the festival as a landmark event and a potential game-changer for Uganda’s tourism industry.
According to organisers, the festival is expected to attract between 10,000 and 30,000 visitors from around the world.