The Bahai temple in Kampala, Uganda, is the only Bahai temple in Africa and among the only nine existing in the world; others are found in USA, Chile, India, Germany, Australia, Panama, Cambodia and Samoa. This is (Bahai Temple) one of the best spots to visit on a Kampala city tour. The temple is annually open to various visitors; believers, non-believers, and the curious visitors. The temple is surrounded by beautiful and serene grounds providing spectacular and stunning views of the surrounding area. The Bahai temple is also a great place to see the beautiful indigenous birdlife as well.
The Bahai temple was completed in 1961 and it has since received mammoth of visitors. The temple is always open from 9:00am to 5:00pm, on a daily basis with a Sunday Service opening at 10:30am. Suitable attire for a spiritual place of worship is highly recommended. The beautiful grounds offer a wide range of photographic opportunities however one is asked to respect the Temple interior and not to take photos within. The Bahai temple’s grounds have various spots to sit, relax and meditate, however visitors are asked not to litter in the Bahai’s surroundings.
Like all the other Bahai temples in the world, the Kampala Bahai Temple in Uganda is designed in a way that blends traditional, spiritual and artistic values. The Kampala-based Bahai temple is modeled on a traditional African hut. The dome-like shape represents the divine circle, a reflection of heaven on earth and the spirituality of sacred borders.
The temple has a height of 38 meters (125 feet) and by the time of its building it was the tallest building in East Africa. It has a circular covered porch on the lowest level offering protection from the seasonal strong winds and heavy rains. The outer front is covered in green and white mosaic tiles, while on the inside the dome is painted blue. It has a seating capacity of over 400 individuals. Immediately after you have entered the temple you will start to feel a sense of peace and tranquility, making you to forget everything in the outside world.
The Bahai temple is really a very unique building; there is a daily minimum of three mandatory prayers, as written in the Bahai holy book of prayer – the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. It is believed to have been written by the Bahai founder, Bahá’u’lláh, in 1873 and contains the laws by which the Bahai believers must comply with. It is believed that the Bahai believers do not have a devoted day of the week, set by holy law, on which to meet; it is rather up to the Bahai community to choose the most convenient day for them to meet.
In Kampala, however, the Bahai believers go to the temple on Sundays. Believers are asked to dress modestly though there is no strict attire. During October and November where there are special days/events like the Twin Holy Birthdays, two consecutive days commemorating the birth of Baha’u’llah and Bab – the most important figures in the Bahai faith, the temple is always filled to capacity.
Generally there are 11 holy days and on most Sundays in Kampala the temple records at least 100 worshippers. The Bahai, however, do not baptize but have a tendency that when a child turns 15 years of age he/she declares his/her faith and is thereby issued with declaration card and the same applies to the new converts.
There are over 10 Bahai centers distributed across Uganda, hence for those who can’t make it to the temple can definitely go to these places. The Bahai temple is absolutely one of the must-visit things while on a Kampala city tour, especially if you are a cultural enthusiast. The other popular spots to visit on a Kampala city tour include; Kabaka Lake (Akayaanja Ka Kabaka), Buganda Palace, Namirembe Cathedral, Rubaga Cathedral, Namugongo Martyrs Shrines, Munyonyo Martyrs Shrines and many more.