The minaret
Defining the skyline.
Chapelle musa — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Chapelle musa — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Chapelle musa — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Alvinategyeka — CC BY-SA 4.0 · DrexRockman — Public domain
The Uganda National Mosque is the largest mosque in East Africa, standing on Kampala Hill in the Old Kampala district. It holds about 15,000 worshippers, with another 1,100 in the gallery and 3,500 in the courtyard. Its 50.5-metre minaret defines the city's skyline, and Muslims made up 13.7% of Uganda's people as of 2014. Work began in 1972 under the name Old Kampala National Mosque and stopped in 1976. It was completed in 2006 with funding from Libya, and for a time it was called the Gaddafi National Mosque before taking its present name. The complex stands on a site long important to Uganda's Muslims and also houses the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council. The building is pale sand in colour, with large arched windows and a small central dome, fronted by a broad paved square. At the entrance a huge arch frames the building, with the tall minaret beside it. From the top of the minaret, if the climb is allowed, you see Kampala's hills and districts all around, one of the best views of the capital. It is about 2.3 km from the Kasubi Tombs in a straight line. Dress modestly. The staff usually lend head coverings to women. Avoid prayer times and Fridays. Visitor tours usually start with a guide from the office by the entrance, and the climb up the minaret is long and tiring, so take your time.
Defining the skyline.
A frame at the entrance.
Hills from above.
Old Kampala Hill, Kampala, Uganda
It is usually allowed with the tour, so ask at the office, and the stair is long.
Usually yes on a guided tour outside prayer times, with modest dress.