The Gaddafi Mosque sits on 12 acres of land. Its interior and exterior can accommodate up to 35,000 worshipers. It is one of the five biggest mosques in Africa, and currently the biggest in Uganda. The mosque is nestled at Old Kampala hill, the origin of Kampala capital city.
The mosque was given to Muslims of Uganda (opened in June 2007) as a gift from the Libyan government, then under the headship of the late Col. Muammar Gaddafi.
The mosque was therefore named after President Muammar Gaddafi but it was renamed in 2013 following the assassination of Gaddafi since the new Libyan administration was reluctant to rehabilitate the mosque under the old name. It was hence renamed the ‘Uganda National Mosque’.
Gaddafi Mosque is one of the most visited things in Kampala, especially on a Kampala city tour. It is believed that during the peak season (June to September) it receives over 50 tourists on a daily basis. However, there’s a small sum of money you will pay to access the mosque and minaret – highlight of your visit.
The proceeds are used to cater for the mosque because at the moment, it has no external support for that purpose. As already noted, this is the biggest mosque in Uganda as well as the seat of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council. Before touring the mosque, you will however first go for a press briefing.
After the briefing, you will then go for a tour of the mosque. It is a custom to remove shoes before entering the mosque and you should comply with it.
Men and women normally sit separately in the mosque; therefore you will be able to visit both the men’s side and women’s side as well. The women’s side is slightly smaller than the men’s side, which is so because women have a choice of performing their prayers at home.
The interior:
The interior of the mosque is beautifully amazing, stepping only on the soft carpet feels so good. The carpets are made with exceptional craftsmanship and are so comfortable.
At the front is a well-crafted Mihrab, a semi-circular position that represents the quibla, the direction of Mecca, outside the pulpit, where the imam sits to read Quran messages to the Muslim worshipers.
The Mihrab is crafted with expensive and durable wood fittings that are said to be imported from Italy. On the right side of the Mihrab is where the Quran is kept in a glass structure.
The Quran is in Arabic language and, therefore, is read from right to left. From the ceiling hang huge chandeliers, branched ornamental light fixtures comparable to what you usually see in movies about royals.
The Minaret:
After you’re done with admiring the interior beauty of the mosque, you actually need to be energetic enough because you are just at the start of your tour as the next task is the highlight of this tour.
Walking to a distinctive tower structure, the minaret, which is best known as the place where the muezzin calls Muslims for prayers, is so memorable. Each mosque has one, but the minaret at the Gaddafi Mosque is more of a skyscraper. At the entrance of it, you are ushered in by a tour guide who will actually spearhead your tour.
Escorted by a guide, you will set forth to climb the 304 steps to the top of the minaret, enjoying unrivalled views of Kampala city – viewing the city at an angle of 3600. You will be able to see all the seven hills of Kampala at once, while atop of the Minaret.
The roads leading to and from the city are clear from this view. Prominent buildings such as the Mapeera House, Sheraton Kampala Hotel, Crested Towers, Pearl of Africa Hotel, URA House, Cham Towers, among others stand proud, but do not hide the smaller buildings from view.
After here you will then descend and head to your next destination, however carrying a lot of memories of the Gaddafi Mosque – Uganda National Mosque.