Kingdom Kampala, one of the flagship developments of the Ruparelia Group, served as the venue for a major cultural and diplomatic gathering as the French community in Uganda hosted the 2024 Beaujolais Nouveau celebration. The event brought together more than 800 guests, with businessman Sudhir Ruparelia among the distinguished figures in attendance.
Organised by the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Uganda (FCCU) and hosted by the Embassy of France, the annual celebration transformed the multipurpose complex into a vibrant blend of culture, gastronomy and international business networking. The choice of Kingdom Kampala underscored its growing reputation as a premier location for high-level events and international engagements.
French Ambassador Virginie Leroy opened the evening by welcoming the large audience and reflecting on the global significance of Beaujolais Nouveau, the young French wine released every November. She described the celebration as a hallmark of French cultural identity, noting that it is recognised in major cities around the world and now firmly embraced in Kampala.
The Ambassador also highlighted the role of the FCCU in strengthening business ties between France and Uganda. She noted that French companies remain the largest private investors in the country and reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to supporting bilateral cooperation in the years ahead.
One of the focal points of the celebration was the appearance of renowned Master Cheesemaker Grégory Giraudon, who is in Uganda conducting specialised training for local chefs. His sessions on cheese production, presentation and culinary technique are part of ongoing efforts to support skills development within Uganda’s hospitality industry. Ambassador Leroy recognised his contribution as an example of practical knowledge transfer between the two countries.
Guests at the event were treated to wine tastings, French cuisine and cultural showcases, creating an atmosphere that blended social interaction with business engagement. Diplomats, investors, entrepreneurs and members of the Ugandan-French community used the evening to strengthen networks and explore new areas of cooperation.
For Kingdom Kampala, the event marked another milestone in its growing profile as a preferred venue for international functions. Under the stewardship of the Ruparelia Group and its Chairman Sudhir Ruparelia, the complex has increasingly hosted diplomatic gatherings, cultural showcases and corporate events, contributing to Kampala’s position as a regional hub for business and hospitality.
Ambassador Leroy concluded the night with a symbolic toast celebrating the strong and longstanding relationship between France and Uganda, describing the two countries as “perfect complements, like wine and cheese.”
