Africa-Press – Uganda. The curtains have officially fallen on the week-long Gulu City Oktoberfest 2025, a vibrant celebration that brought together music, culture, art, and tourism in Northern Uganda.
As the festivities concluded, leaders emphasized the importance of building capacity among hoteliers and hospitality practitioners to sustain and grow domestic tourism in the region.
The festival, held from October 6 to 14 at Kaunda Grounds, was a colorful fusion of Acholi culture and German tradition, marking the first event of its kind in Northern Uganda.
From traditional dance performances to cultural exhibitions and a spirited motor rally, the event showcased Gulu’s potential as a key tourism and investment hub.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Gulu City Mayor Alfred Okwanga called for deliberate training programs for hoteliers and tourism service providers to improve the city’s readiness for local and international tourists.
He noted that while Gulu is fast emerging as a tourism destination, the region still needs to strengthen its service delivery standards to compete favorably.
“As we celebrate the success of the first-ever Gulu City Oktoberfest, we must now focus on capacity building for our hoteliers and hospitality players. This is how we can keep tourists coming back and make Gulu a must-visit city for culture, business, and leisure,” Okwanga said.
His remarks were echoed by Dr. Gessa Simplicious, Head of Public Relations at the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), who reaffirmed the board’s commitment to strengthening domestic tourism through regional empowerment and training.
“The call for capacity building among hoteliers and hospitality practitioners in Gulu is both timely and aligned with our agenda at UTB to strengthen domestic tourism through quality service delivery,” Dr. Gessa said.
“We firmly believe that sustainable tourism begins with empowered local actors. UTB is already working with key partners, including the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, and private sector associations, to roll out targeted skilling programs across regions—including Gulu and the greater Acholi sub-region.”
Dr. Gessa added that ongoing efforts focus on improving standards, customer service, digital visibility, and product development, ensuring that accommodation and service providers can meet the expectations of both domestic and international travelers.
Throughout the festival week, Gulu City came alive with cultural parades, local art exhibitions, traditional dance showcases, and a motor rally championship dedicated to the late motorsport enthusiast Rajiv Ruparelia.
The Acholi Paramount Chief, Rwot David Onen Acana II, who launched the festival, lauded the initiative as a step toward reviving and celebrating Acholi heritage while promoting unity and cultural tourism.
The Gulu Oktoberfest is set to become an annual event, celebrating not only Acholi traditions but also fostering cultural exchange between Uganda and Germany.
Organizers and stakeholders hope it will boost tourism, encourage investment, and inspire renewed cultural pride in the region.
As the sun set on the closing ceremony, one message rang clear: Gulu City is ready to rise — not just as the cultural capital of Northern Uganda, but as a vibrant tourism destination offering world-class hospitality and authentic cultural experiences.
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