KCCA Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Olive Namazzi has clarified that members of the public can use Sheraton Gardens for leisure and family activities, saying the facility is a public space managed by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).
Namazzi, who also serves as the LC5 Woman Lord Councillor for Nakawa West Division and previously served as Kyambogo University Guild President, made the remarks while responding to concerns about public access to the gardens.
The gardens, which are located near Sheraton Hotel and are commonly used for weddings and other private functions, have often been perceived by some members of the public as being associated with the hotel.
Namazzi, however, said the gardens are under KCCA and should not be viewed as a facility exclusively meant for hotel guests or private events.
She explained that residents can visit the gardens to relax, spend time with their families or enjoy the outdoor space, including during weekends.
“Sheraton Gardens seem like they are owned by Sheraton Hotel because people host their weddings and other functions there. However, those are public gardens and anybody is allowed to visit them anytime they want, chill and relax from there,” Namazzi said.
She further emphasised that the gardens belong to KCCA and that members of the public are free to make use of the space.
The remarks could encourage more city residents to consider the gardens as an accessible recreational space rather than a venue reserved mainly for organised functions.
However, questions remain about how public access is managed, particularly given the gardens’ location in an area with heightened security considerations.
It is therefore unclear whether members of the public can access the gardens freely at all times or whether there are specific security procedures, opening hours or other conditions governing their use.
Namazzi’s comments have consequently renewed interest in the status of Sheraton Gardens and how KCCA intends to balance public access with the security and management requirements of the facility.
