KCCA Gardens, Kamwokya

Initially, we had planned to picnic in the garden at the Baha’i Temple. However, after driving to Kawempe we were told that they were not yet open to the public because of COVID-19 restrictions. I did a frantic online search and found a suggestion that there was a space in Kamwokya. We were pleasantly surprised to find a beautiful space right in the heart of the city.

Adjacent to Café Javas, Kamwokya, is a fantastic patch of well-maintained greenery. I’ve driven by this place several times and never given a second thought to what lied behind the trees. After wondering around for a bit we discovered that, the only way to enter is through the Javas lower parking lot, which explains why I initially thought the space belonged to the café. [The signs in the lot declare that the parking space if for Javas customers only. So, either you apply your negotiation skills or purchase something from Javas to gain permission to park there. You could also park at Acacia Mall or Kisementi.]

Once we went through the gate we were greeted by the gentle slopes of the green lawn, surrounded by majestic trees and tropical plants. There are two paths leading out from the entrance. On one side, the path winds around the garden and leads you to two huts with fixed surround seating and a small table at the centre.

We set up camp on this side of the garden and I immediately got engrossed in my favourite activity – people watching! There was plenty of space to toss a ball about, run and roll in the grass. There were so many birthday parties [showing the various economic backgrounds of the hosts and celebrants.] There was even a secluded corner that was taken up by a pair of lovebirds, gazing into each other’s eyes.

On the other side, the path led us round the corner to a more secluded part of the garden, with a little forest. This area was taken up by several groups involved in photoshoots and videos. It seems like a popular venue for that perfect picture with mothers dragging their children there, advertisers shooting hair extension adverts, teenagers chilling and chatting amongst each other as well as the typical campus girl day out.

Ayiko was thrilled to have trees to climb and space to roam and roll freely. Even Aleru enjoyed plucking the grass and being pushed about in her pram. I can’t help wondering how good it looks, given that it’s a public space.

We shall return.