Organisers of the Gulu City Oktoberfest have stressed that the festival is non-political and belongs to all residents, regardless of political affiliation.
Speaking at a press briefing, Oktoberfest Council Chairman Walter Okidi Ladwar said the event is not organised by any political entity in Gulu City.
“This Oktoberfest is not a political event. It has nothing to do with whether the current mayor is leaving or a new one is coming,” Ladwar said. “This is Gulu City Oktoberfest, and it’s here for everybody. Any person who resides in Gulu knows and should own this event as theirs.”
He added that political colours do not matter. “Whether you are green, yellow, blue, or whatever colour, or whichever office you hold, it doesn’t matter.”
Ladwar clarified funding for the festival. Last year, Gulu City Council did not contribute financially, he said, because Oktoberfest is not part of the council’s budget. The same applies this year.
“We are not expecting them to do so because that is public fund, and public funds must be budgeted for public services like roads, street lights, and other duties of Gulu City Council,” he explained. “For us, we are serving the community directly, no matter which government is in place.”
The remarks came in response to questions about why the incoming Gulu City Mayor was not part of the first press conference for the festival.
This year’s Oktoberfest will run from 3rd to 12th October at Kaunda Ground under the theme, Celebrating Culture, Creativity and Global Friendship.
Rotary Club Gulu City has joined the organising team for this year’s edition to enhance the event. Ker Kwaro Acholi has pledged support, with all 57 Acholi chiefs expected to participate.
“Whatever we shall get out of it goes to serve Rotary projects,” Ladwar said.
He noted strong German interest in the festival. “The Germans are more interested in this thing than anybody else. They are coming because they want to identify with this, and we have already received confirmation that the German Ambassador to Uganda is coming. They are mobilising the German community to attend.”
