Located just 2.5 kilometers from Kampala’s city center, the Uganda National Mosque is one of the city’s most impressive religious and cultural landmarks. Set on over 10 acres, the mosque accommodates up to 15,000 worshipers in its main prayer hall, with additional space for 1,100 in the upper gallery and 3,500 on the rooftop terrace. While the mosque is primarily used for special religious events such as Eid and weddings, its administrative offices remain active throughout the week, keeping the site connected to the community.
The mosque is a popular stop on guided city tours that explore Kampala’s markets, monuments, museums, and cultural sites. Its grand half-ring entrance, paired with a wide staircase, offers a perfect photo opportunity and a dramatic welcome into the sacred space.
A Brief History
The mosque stands on a historically significant site that once housed the original fort and capital established by Captain Frederick Lugard in 1890. Construction of the mosque began in 1972 under President Idi Amin, who named it the Old Kampala National Mosque. However, political instability halted the project in 1976, leaving it abandoned for decades.
In 2001, Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi funded the mosque’s completion, replacing the unfinished structure with a grand mosque topped by a gleaming copper dome. Officially opened in June 2007 as the Gaddafi National Mosque, it also became the headquarters of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council. Following Gaddafi’s death in 2011, the mosque was renamed the Uganda National Mosque in 2013.
Architectural Highlights
The mosque’s design is a harmonious blend of European, Arab, and African architectural influences. The main prayer hall features towering columns supporting the expansive roof and copper dome, Italian stained-glass windows that cast colorful light across the hall, and Ugandan timber accents adding local warmth. The dome’s underside showcases intricate Arabian mosaic work, while a massive, ornate metal chandelier hangs as a centerpiece.
The mosque’s 50.5-meter minaret is accessible via 306 winding steps, leading visitors to a 360-degree panoramic view of Kampala and its famous seven hills. Sunrise tours, starting at 6:30 a.m., offer a particularly breathtaking experience, though daytime visits do not require advance booking.
What to Do During Your Visit
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Guided Tours: Learn about the mosque’s history, Islamic practices, and the role of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council.
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Photography: Capture the mosque’s stunning architecture and panoramic city views from the minaret.
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Cultural Insight: Experience the active mosque environment and understand its significance to the local Muslim community.
Visiting Hours and Entry Fees
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Daily Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (closed briefly for Friday prayers)
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Entry Fee: Approx. $5 for foreign visitors, including a guided tour and appropriate attire.
Dress Code: Visitors must wear modest clothing. Women should cover their wrists, ankles, and head, while men should wear trousers and shirts with sleeves. Visitors wearing shorts may be provided a traditional kanzu or other coverings.
The Uganda National Mosque remains one of Kampala’s most iconic landmarks—a place of faith, culture, and architectural beauty, offering visitors a unique insight into Uganda’s Muslim heritage.
