Gaddafi Mosque – Visiting Gaddafi Mosque in Uganda
Gaddafi Mosque is the biggest mosque not only in the country but also in the entire East African Region. Also known as Uganda national mosque, Gaddafi mosque is located about 2km from the city Centre at old Kampala hill one of the seven hills in Kampala city the capital city of Uganda.
The construction of the mosque begun in 1972 after the government of Uganda had formed the Uganda Muslim supreme council. The mosque was then called old Kampala national mosque. Construction later came to a standstill in 1976 until 2001 when the Ugandan mufti sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubuye approached the late former president of Libya Colonel Muammer Gaddafi during his visit to Uganda asking him for assistance to complete the construction which he accepted.
Construction then began in 2006 and was completed or officially opened in 2007 hence the mosque was later named after Muammer Gaddafi of Libya. After his death the mosque was re-named to Uganda national mosque in 2013.
Gaddafi mosque has a seating capacity of 15,000 worshippers in the hall, 1,100 people in the gallery and 3500 people in the terrace. Gaddafi mosque consists of a large hall which is the biggest hall in East, Central and Sub-Saharan Africa, the hall is always open for Friday prayers and Islamic festivals. Gaddafi mosque also consists of a standard conference hall, library, hospital, University College and a radio station.
Gaddafi mosque in Uganda is a unique skyscraper compared to other mosques in the country. It houses the headquarters of Uganda Muslim supreme council on the ground floor which is the national faith based umbrella organization for all Muslims in Uganda. It is also responsible for reaching out to all people at all levels and takes care of the Islamic affairs in Uganda and on the upper floor there is a mosque. Gaddafi mosque also houses the residence and office of the Ugandan mufti who is the head of the mosque. Mufti is religious scholars who issue legal options and interpret Sharia or Islamic laws.
The Gaddafi mosque in Uganda is designed in a modern colorful structure with magnificent features of art in the interior and was designed based on the cultures of Europe, Arab and African touch. The mosque is open to all visitors regardless of you background, political affiliation, culture, nationality among others which makes it a great place to visit while on your safari in Kampala city. The mosque sits on 12 acres of land and is known as one of the biggest mosque in Africa with the tallest minaret where the muezzin calls Muslims for prayers.
Gaddafi mosque in Uganda receives quite a number of visitors from different countries, background, cultures among others due to the fact that it was commissioned as a gift to the Muslims in the country and visitors want to witness if it’s true and also want to explore the beautiful interior and minaret. Visitors who come to visit the mosque first go to the office desk to pay entrance fees and will later be provided with a trained English speaking guide who will be taking them around.
Women visiting the Gaddafi mosque in Uganda are supposed to put on loose-fitting clothes covering their waist and ankles while men are supposed to wear long sleeved trousers and shirts. If the women don’t have the clothes to veil their heads, veils will be provided and should be returned after the tour. The guides will take you around the mosque where you will be able to view the impressive art and architectural designs in the main hall and the minaret which offers great scenic views of the seven hills in Kampala and Kampala city. Moslem visitors are welcome in Gaddafi mosque any time while non-Muslims pay the entrance fees before accessing the mosque.
When to visit the Gaddafi Mosque in Uganda.
Gaddafi mosque in Uganda can be visited anytime throughout the year however the best time is during the dry season in June, July, August, December, January and February when there is little or less rainfall in Kampala city than in the wet season during the months of March to May and September to November.
Where to stay during your tour to Gaddafi Mosque in Uganda.
Kampala city has got a wide range of luxury, midrange and budget accommodation facilities where visitors on Kampala tour can stay including Kampala Serena Hotel, Sheraton Hotel, Tal cottages, Hotel Africana, Jubilee cottages, Forest cottages, Sadrina comfort cottages, Ravens Hotel, KK Trust hotel, Sunrise hotel, Maric hotel, Hotel Barbados International, Red chili hide away hotel among others which offer comfortable beds, free Wi-Fi, international and local dishes, great views of Kampala city, security, cool and conducive environment for relaxation to make the visitors tour interesting and memorable.
Conclusion: This mosque is a great destination to visit if you are looking to learn more about the religious and cultural lives of Ugandans. The mosque is strategically located in the heart of Kampala city and offers tourists magnificent views of the city itself.
