GULU CITY
OKTOBERFEST
Celebrating our heritage
The Heartbeat of Acholi Culture.
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6th-14th october, kaunda grounds. Free entry for all
Celebrating Our Heritage
Uganda’s festivals reflect its rich cultural, social, and religious diversity, with over 50 ethnic groups celebrating unity while preserving unique traditions. From age-old rites like the Imbalu circumcision ceremony to cultural showcases like Ekyooto, and religious gatherings such as Martyrs Day, Eid, and Christmas, these events bring people together through music, dance, food, and shared heritage.
In recent years, Uganda has seen the rise of modern festivals like Bayimba and Nyege Nyege, showcasing art, music, and lifestyle. The proposed Gulu City Festival would be the first of its kind in Northern Uganda—an annual celebration of culture, economic potential, and community spirit. It would symbolize Gulu’s transformation from a war-affected region to a vibrant hub of trade and development.
About the city
"Kodi Pa Lyeci"
Gulu City traces its roots to the colonial era, the East African railway, and missionary presence. Declared a township in 1906, it became the administrative headquarters of Northern Uganda in 1915, later a Town Council in 1974, a Municipality in 1977, and was officially elevated to City status on 1st July 2020.
Today, Gulu is rapidly urbanizing and emerging as Northern Uganda’s economic hub, with strong potential for investment, innovation, and job creation. Its growth, however, depends on pragmatic strategies to address key challenges such as clean water, electricity, waste management, housing, roads, and infrastructure—while also aspiring to meet the demands of a modern 21st-century city.
Gulu City, covering about 55 sq. km with a population of 233,271 (2024 census), is a fast-growing urban center where youth under 25 make up over 60% of the population, with a nearly equal gender balance.
The Tenative Program
October 6th: Marathon, welcome of vendors and exhibitors (introductory fireworks)
October 7th: Grand Oktoberfest Opening & Parade
October 8th: Intercultural Exchange & Global Partnerships
October 9th: Uganda’s Independence Day Celebration
October 10th: Economic Empowerment & Tourism Promotion
October 11th: Heritage & Innovation Showcase & Innovation Showcase
October 12th: Tourism, Game Drive & Outdoor Experience
October 13th: Official Closing & Reflection
October 14th: Cleanup & Community Engagement
NB: Rally will take place from Thursday to Friday.
Kodi Pa' Lyeci
The Kaunda Grounds floor plan
Get involved
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Hospitality
Book hospitality packages which may include Hotels, restaurants, AirBnB's, custom tours and more
Become a Vendor
Book a booth at our vendor spaces and grow your business with us.
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Become an experiential partner
Partner Registration
payment options
OKWONGA Alfred
Mayor, Gulu City
- Welcome to Gulu City Oktoberfest!
A Message from Mayor OKWONGA ALFRED.
… From October 6th to 14th every year, we will gather in Gulu City to celebrate not only the joy of Oktoberfest but also Uganda’s Independence, making this a time of festivity, reflection, and global connection. Through traditional dances, music, trade exhibitions, and culinary delights, we will merge Bavarian traditions with Uganda’s rich heritage, creating a truly unique experience…
- The first ever Oktoberfest festival in Gulu City
A Letter from the President of the Rotary Club of Gulu City
… Oktoberfest is a tradition rooted in Celebration, Culture and togetherness and we are taking that spirit and giving it a Gulu twist!Expect an atmosphere filled with music, food, laughter and most importantly community…
