lifestyle 24 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Elite Whisky Tasting in Mutungo Blends Business, Prestige, and Social Bonds
Tech leader James Byaruhanga hosted an exclusive tasting of Diageo’s 2025 special releases at his Mutungo home, drawing business and entertainment figures for a guided whisky experience. The event highlighted rare single malts, expert insights, and meaningful connections among guests. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/whisky-power-and-connection-inside-mutungo-s-most-exclusive-tasting-night-5435706
In a serene hilltop home in Kampala’s Mutungo neighborhood, tech executive James Byaruhanga, known as Byaru, and his wife Tasha Nkwanzi opened their doors to an intimate whisky tasting. The gathering united professionals from tech, media, hospitality, and entertainment sectors for an evening centered on Diageo’s limited-edition 2025 releases.
Byaruhanga, CEO of Roke Cloud and a key player in Uganda’s ICT sector via the Private Sector Foundation, also links to the nightlife through House of DJs and events like Blankets & Wine. This blend of corporate poise and social flair shaped the night’s vibe—polished yet approachable.
Uganda Breweries Limited ambassadors Melanie Kaita and Steven Baguma guided the session, covering single malt production and tasting techniques. Participants savored five rare expressions: Clynelish 18 Years, Talisker 14 Years, Singleton of Glen Ord 17 Years, Lagavulin 12 Years, and Oban 12 Years. Guests were urged to engage all senses—observing color, inhaling aromas, sipping deliberately, and noting textures, spices, and finishes.
Interactive chats buzzed with comparisons, sparked by radio host Gaetano Kaggwa’s vivid takes like calling one dram “very robust,” drawing laughs. Uganda Tourism Board CEO Juliana Kaggwa added a tourism pitch, urging exploration of local sites.
Pairings from Shisha Nyama and Tasha Deli’s grilled meats complemented the whiskies, easing the mood into casual mingling. Byaruhanga curated not just luxury, but genuine connections, mirroring a trend in Kampala’s upscale scene where shared experiences trump mere opulence.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)