Gaddafi mosque is the largest mosque in East Africa positioned at the city center of Kampala the capital city of Uganda. The mosque lies at old Kampala hill as a unique skyscraper compared to other mosques. Uganda Muslim Supreme Council headquarters lies in Gaddafi Mosque thus making it the faith-based umbrella organization for looking after all muslim people and taking care of muslim affairs. Gaddafi has an office of Uganda mufti who is a head of the mosque. Mufti is a religious scholar who issues Islamic laws, interprets sharia law and issues legal options.
Historically, after the government of Uganda had formed the Uganda muslim supreme council, the Uganda Gaddafi mosque was formerly called Old Kampala National Mosque. The construction of the mosque started in 1972 however came at standstill in 1976 until 2001 due to lack of money. mufti sheik Shaban Ramadhan Mubuye took advantage of the Late Gaddafi’s visit to Uganda and asked for assistance in building the mosque. After 2006, the construction of a mosque began and was completed in 2007 thus the named changed from Old Kampala National Mosque to the late Gaddafi Mosque in 2013.
How big is the mosque?
Gaddafi mosque is the largest mosque in East, central, and sub -Saharan Africa standing on 12 acres. The Gaddafi Mosque has about 15,000-seater for worshippers, 1100 gallery seaters, 3500 seaters in the terrace and the hall is always open for Islamic festivals and every Friday prayers. The mosque is composed of a radio station, library, conference hall, hospital university college and many more.
The mosque has the tallest minaret were muezzin calls Muslims for prayers. Gaddafi mosque is designed in a magnificent structure that are colorful and modern art interiors designed in European cultures, Arab and African architecture. The mosque allows all visitors regardless of their religions, culture, politics, nationality and affiliation thus making it the best destination for city tour safari.
Do they charge for visiting Gaddafi Mosque during Kampala city safari?
Yes, it is true Gaddafi Mosque is charged during Kampala City safari however Muslims visitors are welcome ed anytime unlike non- Muslim visitors. Since the mosque allows visitors internationally and non -Muslims in the mosque, they are first welcomed at the office to make payments where they are given a guide to take them through the mosque as you explore beautiful interiors and minaret which were designed in European cultures, African art and Arab architecture. While in minaret at Gaddafi Mosque, visitors will get a chance to spot the beauty of Kampala city.
What is expected from Visitors?
Despite the fact that Gaddafi Mosque allows all kinds of visitors, they are expected to respect their mosque culture where by women wearing long fitting clothes covering their waists or if at all women don’t have veils to cover their heads, they are provided with them at the mosque then after touring the mosque they are supposed to leave them at the mosque. Men are supposed to wear long sleeved t-shirts and trouser.
When to visit Gaddafi Mosque?
Although Gaddafi Mosque can be visited throughout the year, dry season is the best time to visit in months of January, February, June, July, August, and December. During dry season, there is a best view of Kampala city and all seven hills around town. In rainy season in months of March, April, September and October can also be visited however visitors don’t get the best view of the city and photography.
