Gaddafi National Mosque
Central Uganda Region
Located on Kampala Hill in Old Kampala, the Uganda National Mosque is the largest mosque in East Africa and the second largest on the African continent. Originally commissioned by former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi as a gift to Uganda's Muslim population, the mosque was completed in 2006 and officially opened in 2007. It accommodates up to 15,000 worshipers in the main prayer hall, with additional capacity in the gallery and terrace, totaling over 20,000 worshipers. Architecturally, it features large domes covered in brown mosaic and a 50.5-meter minaret that dominates Kampala's skyline, accessible via 272 stairs. The mosque is situated on over 10 acres of land atop one of Kampala's seven historic hills, offering panoramic views of the city. Inside, visitors can admire intricate Islamic embroidery on the dome and beautiful religious artistry. The mosque functions not only as a place of worship but also as a cultural and historical landmark, housing the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council offices. Its blend of religious, architectural, and cultural significance makes it a unique attraction in Uganda.
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Astuce: Visitors should dress modestly when visiting the mosque: women are advised to wear loose-fitting clothes covering their wrists and ankles and to cover their heads; men should wear trousers and shirts with sleeves. Coverings are available at the reception for visitors who need them and must be returned after the visit. The mosque is generally open to the public during special occasions such as weddings and Eid days, while the offices on the ground floor remain accessible year-round. The best time to visit is during mild weather days for comfortable city views from the minaret. It is recommended to join a guided city tour that includes the mosque to gain deeper insight into its history and cultural importance.
Faits intéressants
- •The mosque's minaret stands 50.5 meters (166 feet) tall and has 272 stairs leading to the top.
- •It is the largest mosque in East Africa and the second largest in Africa after the King Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco.
- •The mosque can accommodate over 20,000 worshipers including the main hall, gallery, and terrace.
- •The mosque sits atop Old Kampala Hill, one of the seven historic hills that define Kampala's landscape.
Histoire
Construction of the mosque began in 1972 under Ugandan President Idi Amin and was initially called the Old Kampala National Mosque.
Work halted in 1976 due to political instability and the mosque remained incomplete after Amin's deposition in 1979.
In 2001, Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi pledged support to complete the mosque as a gift to Uganda's Islamic community.
The mosque was completed in 2006 and officially opened in 2007 as the Gaddafi National Mosque.
Following Gaddafi's death in 2011 and a change in Libya's administration, the mosque was renamed Uganda National Mosque in 2013 to reflect a new era.
Guide du lieu
Main Prayer Hall2006
The upper floor houses the main prayer hall, which can seat up to 15,000 worshipers. It features large domes with intricate Islamic embroidery and brown mosaic tiles, creating a serene and majestic atmosphere for worship.
Minaret2006
The mosque's minaret is a 50.5-meter tall prayer tower that dominates Kampala's skyline. Visitors can climb its 272 stairs to enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills.
Mosque Dome2006
The mosque's large domes are covered with brown mosaic tiles and decorated with beautiful Islamic embroidery on the interior, reflecting the artistic heritage of Islamic architecture.
Contact
Téléphone: 0703 643499