Africa-Press – Uganda. Gulu City made history as it hosted its first-ever Oktoberfest, a landmark cultural event that not only celebrated heritage and unity but also spotlighted the city’s growing significance as a hub for tourism, investment, and international cooperation.
The festival, inspired by Germany’s iconic Oktoberfest, brought together leaders from government, the private sector, civil society, and international partners.
The deputy head of Uganda’s Mission in Berlin,Danny Ssozi, hailed the festival as a symbol of “resilience, rebirth, and opportunity” for Northern Uganda.
“This Oktoberfest is more than a celebration. It is a bridge between heritage and innovation, between culture and enterprise, and between Uganda and the wider world,” he said.
He drew parallels between Germany’s Oktoberfest and Uganda’s Independence Day, both of which fall in October and celebrate identity, unity, and pride.
“When these two powerful traditions merge, as we see today in Gulu’s Oktoberfest, they create something truly remarkable,” he added.
Ssozi emphasized Gulu’s transformation into a strategic center for commerce, industry, and tourism, highlighting opportunities for global partnerships.
He cited the Bavaria meets Uganda dialogue held in Munich as a stepping stone for deeper economic engagement, envisioning ventures such as exporting premium Ugandan beef and producing traditional Bavarian lederhosen using leather processed in Gulu.
“These are not distant dreams, but opportunities that festivals like this ignite,” he said.
The Ambassador praised the collaborative spirit that made the event possible, commending Gulu City Council, Rotary Club of Gulu City, Meine Zukunft, UNOC, Wend Africa, and other partners for their commitment to making Gulu a cultural and economic beacon.
“This Oktoberfest is an opportunity to project Gulu as the new frontier of tourism, industry, and cultural diplomacy.”
As guests raised their glasses, Ssozi called on Ugandans and international partners alike to view the festival not just as a moment of celebration, but as a pledge to invest in the potential of Uganda’s youth, to preserve and promote cultural heritage, and to build an inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future.
“May this Oktoberfest mark the beginning of many more international festivals in Gulu,” he concluded, “and may it showcase the strength of our people and the vision of our nation.”
The inaugural Gulu Oktoberfest signals a bold step in redefining the region’s global image — one where cultural celebration meets economic ambition, and local potential attracts international opportunity.
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