Congolese music icon Koffi Olomide is set to perform in Gulu City on October 9, 2026, in a concert expected to bring the sound of Congolese rumba and soukous to audiences in Northern Uganda.
The concert will take place at the Northern Pearl Hotel Garden along Gulu-Kitgum Road and is being organised by Open Mic Uganda as part of the Independence Day holiday weekend.
Bell Lager, the flagship brand of Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL), has been announced as the lead premium sponsor of the event through its Obafest platform.
Olomide, one of the most influential figures in Congolese rumba and soukous, is expected to perform some of his best-known songs, including Loi, Effrakata, Papa Bonheur, Tcha Tcho and Selfie.
His performance will be supported by a line-up of Ugandan musicians, including dancehall artist Cindy, Eezzy, Batman, Jelly G and Lucky David. Comedian Patrick Salvado will host the event.
The concert will open its gates at 2pm on Friday, October 9, with performances scheduled to continue until 4am on Saturday, October 10.
Organisers expect the event to attract audiences from Gulu and neighbouring districts, as well as visitors travelling to Northern Uganda during the Independence Day holiday.
The event is also part of Bell Lager’s Obafest, a music and entertainment platform through which the brand stages events combining live performances, food and social activities.
Lilian Kansiime, Brand Manager for Bell Lager, said the partnership was intended to extend the brand’s music and entertainment activities beyond Kampala.
“As Uganda’s very own beer, Bell Lager celebrates culture, social connection and the arts. Bell Obafest is a celebration of how Ugandans come together to enjoy music, beer and food,” Kansiime said.
“By bringing the experience to Gulu in partnership with the Koffi Olomide concert, we are giving consumers in Gulu an opportunity to be part of that celebration.”
Kansiime said the company was supporting the concert because of its international line-up and the opportunity to showcase Ugandan artists alongside Olomide.
“The partnership for the Koffi Olomide concert in Gulu reflects our commitment to bringing premium music experiences to consumers. We are proud to support Open Mic Uganda in delivering an international performance of this scale alongside the Ugandan artists who will share the stage,” she said.
The Gulu concert adds to the growing number of major music events being staged outside Kampala, giving audiences in other parts of the country opportunities to watch international and local performers closer to home.
