Saturday evening radiated with rare whisky, bold leadership, and dynamic conversations, as the Johnnie Walker Blue Club ushered in a new chapter curated by Dean Munene, Managing Director of Volve Global Ltd.
The exclusive gathering that took place at Dean’s private residence on Mbuya hill, brought together a mix of Uganda’s most promising young business leaders, elite professionals, and bold visionaries.
Known for celebrating rare character and refined taste, the Blue Club has long been a bastion of excellence. But on this night, it evolved, welcoming a new generation of trailblazers into its fold, united by ambition, sophistication, and a shared appetite for progress.
It was not business as usual. From the moment guests arrived, the tone was unmistakable: luxury, warmth, and connection.
Upon arrival, guests handed their cars to the valets, who took care of the parking. Inside the nicely set up venue, a live violinist serenaded guests, as whisky mentors guided them through a masterfully curated tasting experience, featuring the iconic Johnnie Walker Blue Label, and a range of other rare single malt whiskies like- Glenkinchie and Talisker, each pour unlocking stories of craftsmanship and legacy.
As host of the night, Dean’s presence was as magnetic as ever. In his remarks, he shared his heartfelt welcome and appreciation towards his guests
“When I was asked to host the Blue Club, I thought, finally, a good excuse to wear a blazer and sip some exceptional whisky with exceptional people. But beyond the style and the whisky, tonight means something deeper. Tonight is about building a bigger community and legacy with intentional people such as yourselves,” he shared.
“Hosting the first Blue Club of 2025 is more than a personal milestone, it’s a celebration of everyone in this room. So, here’s to the risk-takers, the trailblazers, the ones rewriting the rules. Keep walking, and may your next step be your boldest yet.” he added.
Christine Kyokunda, the Brand Manager Scotch & Reserve at UBL, emphasized the brand’s commitment to curating timeless, bold experiences.
“The Blue Club isn’t just a celebration of whisky; it’s a convergence of rare character and visionary thinking. We’re proud to lead this new era of leadership, welcoming Uganda’s next generation of movers and shakers into a space that honours ambition, legacy, and refined taste.”
The night blended elegance with enterprise, as conversations flowed between titans of finance, tech, real estate, and creative industries.
Catherine Ndungu, the Marketing & Innovations Director at UBL, underscored the strategic intent behind moments like these.
“Today, luxury is about more than what’s in the glass, it’s about the energy in the room and the stories being shared. The Blue Club is where timeless elegance meets forward-thinking innovation, and where influence is shaped through connection.”
Emmy Hashakimana, the UBL Commercial Director, who also represented the Managing Director- Andrew Kilonzo, applauded Dean, describing him as ‘a partner, a brand builder, and a key player’ in bringing UBL’s premium brands closer to the right consumers.
Hashakimana also spoke about UBL’s new innovation- the Direct-to-End-User (DTEU) program aimed at improving convenience for premium consumers.
“This is our strategy to cut through the clutter, to place premium whisky into premium hands, just like yours, in the most seamless, curated way possible. We want to ensure convenient access to personalised bottles, gifting experiences, and private tastings, delivered directly with the care and ceremony that Johnnie Walker deserves,” he said.
UBL board member Rachael Dumba was also in attendance, lending her support and presence to the evening’s memorable experience.
As the night transitioned from refined tastings to vibrant celebration, Selector Jay took over the decks, guiding guests on a musical journey that carried on into the early hours.
This wasn’t just a party; it was a statement. The Johnnie Walker Blue Club is boldly evolving, expanding its reach and giving a platform to a younger, accomplished individuals to share their bold strides and shape the future of influence.