Event report

Reliving the Charm of Beaujolais Nouveau 2024 in Uganda

A night of French wine, culture & connections! Relive Beaujolais Nouveau 2024 in Uganda — where tradition met celebration.

On 28 November 2024, Kampala came alive with the vibrant celebration of Beaujolais Nouveau, the iconic French wine that marks the first harvest of the season. The evening was a seamless blend of French tradition, culture, and camaraderie, leaving guests with unforgettable memories.

A Warm Welcome with Soulful Music

The celebration kicked off as guests were greeted by the soulful melodies of a saxophonist, setting a sophisticated and inviting tone for the evening. The atmosphere was immediately infused with warmth, anticipation, and the charm that characterises French cultural events.

Setting the Stage

At 7 PM, our hosts, Jean-Philippe Bittencourt and Happiness Daher-Ebhohon , welcomed attendees and shared insights about the FCCU and the story behind Beaujolais Nouveau, a wine that embodies tradition, is crafted with care, and is celebrated worldwide. Their opening remarks highlighted the essence of the event: bringing people together to enjoy French heritage while strengthening professional and social ties in Uganda.

Inspiring Words from Esteemed Speakers

The evening featured a series of inspiring speeches from key leaders:

  • Philippe Groueix, General Manager, TotalEnergies Uganda

  • Paul Bitature Muganwa, Head of Corporate Investment Banking, Stanbic Bank Uganda

  • Belinda Sebunya, Sales and Marketing Manager, Brussels Airlines

Each speaker offered perspectives on leadership, business collaboration, and the enduring connections between French and Ugandan enterprises.

A Special Toast by the French Ambassador

A highlight of the evening was the special toast by H.E. Xavier Sticker, French Ambassador to Uganda. The Ambassador joined the stage to celebrate the ties between France and Uganda, emphasising the spirit of togetherness that Beaujolais Nouveau embodies.

Culinary Delights to Savour

Guests were treated to a sumptuous spread of French cheese and cold cuts, masterfully prepared by Chef Grégory Giraudon, paired with the signature Beaujolais Nouveau wine. The evening also featured some of the finest pastries from Karveli, ensuring a complete French gastronomic experience.

Live Music to Remember

Adding to the charm, live performances by the Didi Lysha Band and the vibrant Congolese Band R'Afric electrified the atmosphere. Their music kept the celebration lively and memorable, perfectly complementing the evening’s culinary and cultural offerings.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Partners and Sponsors

The success of Beaujolais Nouveau 2024 would not have been possible without the support of our partners, sponsors, and attendees:

TotalEnergies, Stanbic Bank Uganda, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Brussels Airlines, Forvis Mazars Africa, Global Logistics, CMA CGM, SLB Energy Market - ENGIE Belgium, CFAO Mobility Uganda, Sogea-Satom, Vallourec, RUBIS ENERGIE, The Motorcenter East Africa, SIMBA Group of Companies, Costa Construction Group, Vivendi Africa, BLUEBELL LEGAL ADVOCATES, Aldelia Olea, Bureau Veritas Group, SwanAir, Jumia Uganda, Touton SA, Pure Grow Africa, Marsh, Kampala International School Uganda (KISU), Ranchers Finest, Ruby Hospital Kampala.

Your unwavering support brings French culture and tradition to life in Uganda and ensures that these moments of connection and celebration continue to thrive.

Looking Forward

Beaujolais Nouveau 2024 reminded us of the joy of shared culture, meaningful connections, and unforgettable experiences. We look forward to many more evenings that celebrate French heritage, Ugandan entrepreneurship, and vibrant community spirit.

🥂 Here’s to the next celebration!

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