Gaddafi Mosque Kampala: A Comprehensive Guide to Uganda’s Iconic National Mosque

Gaddafi Mosque Kampala: Perched atop the historic Old Kampala Hill, the Gaddafi Mosque—officially known as the Uganda National Mosque—stands as a towering symbol of faith, architectural brilliance, and international goodwill in the heart of Uganda’s bustling capital.

Completed in 2006 and inaugurated in 2007, this grand structure serves as the largest mosque in East Africa and the second-largest on the African continent, accommodating up to 15,000 worshippers in its main hall alone, with additional space for 1,100 in the gallery and 3,500 on the terrace, potentially hosting over 200,000 during major events. 

Gifted to Uganda by the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, the mosque not only fulfills a vital role for the country’s 14% Muslim population but also draws thousands of tourists annually for its stunning design, panoramic views, and cultural significance.

Whether you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or spiritual seeker, this guide covers everything you need to know about Gaddafi Mosque Kampala, from practical details to broader context on Islamic landmarks in the region.

History of Gaddafi Mosque Kampala

The story of Gaddafi Mosque is intertwined with Uganda’s turbulent 20th-century history and the pan-African ambitions of its namesake donor.

Construction began in 1972 under the regime of President Idi Amin, who envisioned a grand national mosque on Old Kampala Hill to serve as the headquarters for the newly formed Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC). 

Initially called the Old Kampala National Mosque, the project symbolized Amin’s efforts to unite the Muslim community, which had faced marginalization during British colonial rule.

However, political instability halted work in 1976 amid Amin’s economic mismanagement and escalating conflicts, leaving the site abandoned after his 1979 ouster.

The revival came two decades later. In 2001, during Gaddafi’s visit to Uganda for President Yoweri Museveni’s inauguration, UMSC Mufti Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje appealed for funding to complete the mosque. 

Gaddafi, a proponent of African unity and Islamic solidarity, agreed, channeling resources through Libya’s World Islamic Call Society. Construction resumed in 2006, blending modern engineering with traditional Islamic motifs.

Gaddafi personally inaugurated the mosque on June 10, 2007, naming it in his honor as a “gift to Uganda’s Muslims.”  It quickly became the UMSC’s headquarters, overseeing Islamic education, welfare, and community outreach.

Following Gaddafi’s death in 2011, the mosque was renamed the Uganda National Mosque in 2013 to align with the new Libyan government’s reluctance to associate with his legacy, ensuring continued maintenance funding.

  Today, it stands as a beacon of resilience, hosting daily prayers, Eid celebrations, weddings, and interfaith dialogues.

Its completion not only filled a spiritual void but also fostered Uganda-Libya ties, with Gaddafi’s vision of unity echoing in its inclusive ethos—open to all faiths.

Architecture and Features of Gaddafi Mosque

Gaddafi Mosque’s design is a masterful fusion of Arab, European, and African influences, creating a vibrant landmark visible from nearly every corner of Kampala’s seven hills. 

Spanning 12 acres with five gleaming domes clad in brown mosaic tiles and a 50-meter minaret (prayer tower), the structure evokes a skyscraper-like grandeur unusual for East African mosques. 

The exterior features intricate arabesque patterns, arched portals, and a grand staircase leading to the main entrance, symbolizing ascension toward the divine.

Inside, the prayer hall boasts breathtaking Islamic embroidery under the central dome, with verses from the Quran in gold calligraphy and geometric mosaics in blues, golds, and greens. 

Natural light filters through stained-glass windows depicting floral motifs, illuminating the vast carpeted space designed for prostration.

The two-story layout includes UMSC offices on the ground floor, a library, conference hall, and even plans for a small clinic and radio station.

The minaret, with 270-300 spiral steps, offers a 360-degree panorama of Kampala’s skyline, Lake Victoria, and the surrounding hills—Rubaga, Namirembe, and Kololo among them. 

This vantage point, once the site where British colonizers raised their flag in 1890, adds layers of historical irony. Eco-friendly elements like rainwater harvesting and earthquake-resistant concrete underscore its modern relevance.  As one visitor noted, “It’s not just a mosque—it’s a cultural tapestry woven from three continents.”

Gaddafi Mosque Location and Directions

Strategically positioned on Old Kampala Hill—one of the city’s original seven hills—the mosque is just 2 kilometers west of Kampala’s central business district, making it an accessible highlight of any city tour. 

Its GPS coordinates are approximately 0.3086° N, 32.5633° E, atop a 1,200-meter elevation that commands sweeping views.

From Entebbe International Airport, it’s a 45-minute drive (about 40 km) via the Kampala-Entebbe Road; taxis cost UGX 50,000-80,000 ($13-22).

Within Kampala, head west from the Clock Tower along Kampala-Rubaga Road for 3 km—matatus (minibuses) or boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis) run frequently for UGX 2,000-5,000 ($0.50-1.30). 

Walking from downtown takes 30-40 minutes uphill, but opt for guided transport to avoid traffic snarls. Nearby landmarks include the Uganda Martyrs’ Shrine (1 km north) and Namirembe Cathedral (2 km east).

Free parking is available on-site, and the hill’s elevation means cooler breezes, though expect crowds during Jumu’ah (Friday) prayers.

For real-time navigation, use apps like Google Maps or Waze, which plot routes avoiding boda-boda hotspots.

Gaddafi Mosque Opening Hours

The mosque welcomes visitors year-round, reflecting its role as both a place of worship and tourist site.  For tourists and researchers, official hours are:

Monday-Thursday and Saturday-Sunday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Fridays from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM (pausing for Jumu’ah prayers) and reopening 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. 

Muslim worshippers have unrestricted access during prayer times (Fajr at dawn, Dhuhr midday, Asr afternoon, Maghrib sunset, Isha night), with special openings for Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, weddings, and funerals.

It’s closed during inclement weather or official events, so check the UMSC Facebook page or call +256 414 235 000 for updates. 

Best times: Early mornings for serene visits or late afternoons for golden-hour minaret climbs. Note: During Ramadan (March-April 2025), iftar gatherings extend evening access.

Gaddafi Mosque Entrance Fee

Entry is free for Muslims attending prayers, emphasizing the mosque’s communal spirit.  Non-Muslim tourists pay UGX 25,000 ($7 USD) for adults, covering a guided tour, minaret access, and modest attire rental (scarves for women, coverings for men). 

Ugandan/East African residents get a discount at UGX 10,000 ($2.70), while children under 12 enter free.  Fees fund maintenance and UMSC programs.

Photography inside is limited; drones require permission. Dress code: Modest clothing (no shorts, sleeveless tops); rentals available at the gate.

Interior embroidery under the dome

Alt: Gaddafi Mosque photos showing intricate Islamic embroidery and dome architecture.

Gaddafi Mosque Capacity

Engineered for mass gatherings, the mosque’s main prayer hall seats 15,000 on its expansive carpets, with overflow for 1,100 in the women’s gallery and 3,500 on the outdoor terrace. 

The surrounding gardens and courtyards expand total capacity to 200,000 during peak events like Eid, making it ideal for Uganda’s 9.1 million Muslims (14% of the population). 

This scale surpasses most East African counterparts, underscoring Gaddafi’s ambition for a unifying landmark.

How Many Mosques in Uganda

Uganda’s Islamic heritage traces to the 18th century, with mosques proliferating via Arab traders and colonial-era migrations.  As of January 2025, there are approximately 223 registered mosques nationwide, per business directories, though UMSC estimates over 1,100 modern structures, bolstered by Arab and Turkish sponsorships. 

Kampala alone hosts 153, reflecting urban density.  Rural areas see growth through community-built madrasahs, with sponsors like Turkey funding renovations. Gaddafi Mosque remains the flagship, but smaller sites like Kibuli Mosque highlight diverse Sunni traditions.

Top 10 Largest Mosques in East Africa

East Africa’s mosques blend Swahili, Arab, and colonial styles, serving 40 million Muslims across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Ethiopia.  Here’s a ranked list by capacity (2025 estimates):

Rank	Mosque Name	Location	Capacity	Notes
1	Uganda National Mosque (Gaddafi)	Kampala, Uganda	15,000+ (main hall)	Largest in East Africa; Gaddafi gift.
2	Gaddafi Mosque	Dodoma, Tanzania	3,000+	Pink dome; second in region.
3	Jamia Mosque	Nairobi, Kenya	2,500	Historic 1902 build; city landmark.
4	King Faisal Mosque	Daress Salaam, Tanzania	2,000	Saudi-funded; coastal influence.
5	Kibuli Mosque	Kampala, Uganda	1,500	Shi’a hub; hilltop views.
6	Mnazi Mmoja Mosque	Zanzibar, Tanzania	1,200	Ancient Swahili architecture.
7	Jamia Mosque	Mombasa, Kenya	1,000	19th-century Arab style.
8	Harar Jami Mosque	Harar, Ethiopia	900	UNESCO site; ancient origins.
9	Gonder Fasil Ghebbi Mosque	Gonder, Ethiopia	800	Royal enclosure integration.
10	Kigali Central Mosque	Kigali, Rwanda	700	Post-genocide community focus.

This list highlights regional diversity, with Uganda and Tanzania dominating due to Gulf funding.

Gaddafi Mosque Photos: Visual Highlights

Gaddafi Mosque’s photogenic allure shines in its domes at sunset, minaret silhouettes against stormy skies, and intricate interiors. Iconic shots include the golden dome reflecting Kampala’s lights (search “Gaddafi Mosque dome aerial” on Getty Images for 200+ high-res options). 

Visiting Tips and Cultural Significance

Dress modestly, remove shoes at entry, and silence phones—guides (UGX 10,000 tip suggested) enrich tours with Quranic insights.  Combine with nearby Kasubi Tombs or a Kampala craft market for a full day.

The mosque promotes tolerance, hosting interfaith events amid Uganda’s multi-religious fabric.

In 2025, as Uganda marks 63 years of independence, Gaddafi Mosque endures as a bridge between past and future— a testament to generosity amid turmoil. Plan your visit; its minaret calls not just to prayer, but to reflection.

FAQs

What is the Gaddafi Mosque entrance fee? UGX 25,000 ($7) for tourists; free for prayers.

Where is Gaddafi Mosque located? Old Kampala Hill, 2 km from city center.

What are the opening hours? 9 AM-6 PM daily; Fridays split around prayers.

How to get directions to Gaddafi Mosque? Taxi from airport (45 min) or matatu along Rubaga Road.

What is Gaddafi Mosque capacity? 15,000 main hall; up to 200,000 total.

How many mosques in Uganda? Over 1,100 modern ones; 223 registered.