Like New York has the Statue of Liberty, Paris has the Eiffel Tower, London has the London Eye, and so Kampala has the Gaddafi Mosque. The mosque is named after the late Muammar Gaddafi who helped finance its construction when funds ran low. The late Colonel Gaddafi of Libya built the mosque as a gift to Uganda, and for the benefit of the Muslim population.
Gaddafi National Mosque is situated at Kampala Hill in the Old Kampala area of Kampala Uganda, which is One of Kampala City’s Seven Hills. It can also be viewed from all Corners of Kampala and one cannot go without a glimpse of it.
The Colorful structure with its magnificent features of Art was built and designed based on a mixture of Arab, European, and African cultures. Completed in 2006, it seats up to 15,000 worshippers and can hold another 1,100 in the gallery, while the terrace will cater for another 3,500.
This makes it as one of the biggest Mosques in East, Central, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Uganda has many mosques but this one is a skyscraper mosque.The completed mosque was opened officially in June 2007.
The Mosque is Open to all people regardless of their Creeds, Political affiliations, Ethnic backgrounds, Cultures and Nationalities. This majestic work of art also houses the Headquarters of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council which is the National Faith Based Umbrella Organization for all Muslims, their Organizations and Institutions in Uganda with a Core responsibility to reach out to all people at all levels.
The Mosque Complex consists of a Large Mosque Hall that is usually open to all Muslims for Friday Prayers and also for other Islamic Festivals. It also has a standard Conference Hall, Library, an Fm Radio Station, a hospital, and a University College among other Units.
On arrival, one can report to the Tourism Information Office desk.
NOTE: All Visitors are required to respect the Islamic Regulations, Norms and Values. Ladies will be veiled as per the Islamic custom and you will be introduced to your guide who will take you around and inside the Mosque to enjoy an ambience of its exterior and interior.
On entering the Mosque Main hall, one can enjoy its architectural designs. Climbing the Tower / Minaret gives you the best view of Kampala City at 360 degrees with its original surrounding Seven Hills.
