American Chamber of Commerce, Uganda hosts thanksgiving dinner

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The atmosphere was filled with joy, anticipation, and gratitude before the Thanksgiving dinner could begin last Friday evening.

As each guest met and tinkered at the clinking of the glass, there was an aura of appreciation. This was during the Thanksgiving dinner at the Sheraton Hotel, organised by the American Chamber of Commerce, Uganda.

The dress code was black with a dash of an African embellishment; members did not disappoint, as they all turned up in their best.

Eva Zalwango, the general manager of AmCham, animatedly talked about supporting the charity of abandoned babies at Loving Hearts Babies’ home and fundraising for it. There was time to laugh, enjoy the dinner, and have a good conversation.

The emcee, Fun Factory’s Richard Tuwangye, was at his humorous best and effortlessly blended in with the guests.

Sarah Arapta, the AmCham President, called for more robust relations for both foreign investors and Ugandans for the growth of both companies.

 “We give thanks for a community that stands together through challenges and successes, united by the shared values and purpose,” she said.  “But as our theme reminds us, giving thanks must inspire us to give back.”

She added that gratitude becomes far more powerful when it fuels action since it leads to investments in the communities that sustain us.

William Popp, the guest of honour and also the American Ambassador to Uganda, expressed gratitude to all the local companies that do business with the United States.

“To all the members, all the companies, all the award winners today, the American companies that do such great work here in Uganda, the companies that do business with the United States every day, making more trade, more investment, more prosperity between our nations and making tremendous impacts in the communities in which you work,” he said. “So, tonight is about being thankful, it's about being grateful in the best American tradition.”

Popp encouraged business members and companies operating here in Uganda every day, not just doing business, but making a better world and better community for those with whom they are doing business.