Kingdom Kampala, one of the flagship commercial developments under the Ruparelia Group, became the centre of French cultural celebration as more than 800 guests gathered for the 2024 Beaujolais Nouveau event—an evening in which businessman Sudhir Ruparelia was one of the most notable figures among the high-profile attendees.
Hosted by the Embassy of France and organised by the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Uganda (FCCU), the celebration transformed the mall into a lively mix of culture, business and hospitality. The choice of Kingdom Kampala, one of Sudhir’s premier real estate developments, underscored its growing role as a preferred venue for major international events and corporate gatherings in the capital.
French Ambassador Virginie Leroy opened the evening by welcoming guests and reflecting on the global tradition of Beaujolais Nouveau, the young French wine officially released every November. She described the celebration as a symbol of French cultural identity and a ritual recognised in cities worldwide.
The Ambassador also acknowledged the strengthening ties between France and Uganda. She pointed out that French companies remain the country’s largest private investors, with the FCCU playing a central role in promoting business activity between the two nations. She reaffirmed the Embassy’s long-term commitment to supporting investment partnerships through 2026 and beyond.
A key highlight of the evening was the presence of acclaimed Master Cheesemaker Grégory Giraudon, a French artisan recognised for his skill in cheese craftsmanship. Giraudon is currently in Uganda conducting training programs for local chefs, offering practical sessions on cheese production, presentation and gastronomy. His visit is part of wider efforts to enhance professional capacity within Uganda’s hospitality sector.
Guests at the event enjoyed wine tastings, gourmet French cuisine and cultural showcases. Business executives, diplomats and members of the Ugandan-French community used the occasion for networking and strengthening commercial ties.
For many attendees, the celebration also highlighted Kingdom Kampala’s rise as a modern event destination. Under the Ruparelia Group, the complex has become a key venue for international cultural showcases, business conferences and high-level corporate engagements. Sudhir’s presence at the event reinforced his ongoing role in promoting Kampala as a regional hub for diplomacy, investment and hospitality.
Ambassador Leroy concluded the evening with a symbolic toast, describing France and Uganda as “perfect complements — like wine and cheese,” in recognition of the long-standing friendship between the two countries.
