Islam is the third biggest religion in Uganda, composing of different sects. In the 1970s while Idi Amin was still the president of Uganda, he commissioned the building of the national mosque with architectural plans from M.A Karim that he concluded within a month after instructions from the president. The mosque was to be built at old Kampala hill, just two kilometers from Kampala city center. Unfortunately, after laying the foundation, it laid incomplete until 2006. It was then officially opened in June 2007. The mosque was completed through a donation from the fallen Libyan President Col Muammar Gaddafi. In 2013, its name was changed to Gaddafi national mosque after the new Lybian administrator was reluctant on renovating the mosques under the old name.
The mosque is on the upper floor which is only opened for special occasions like weddings and eid days while the offices are on the ground floor which open at all times. It is at this mosque where the headquarters of Uganda Muslim supreme council are found. The council is in charge of taking care of all Islamic affairs in the country.
The mosque is open to tourists both local and international. Entrance for local tourists is free while foreigners are charged ugx 10,000 which is almost 3 dollars. Before entering the mosque, you are required to leave your foot wear outside since it considered a sacred place for the supreme deity. All tourists are required to dress appropriately, that is; Women should wear loose fitting clothes covering to the wrist, ankle and cover their heads coverings are also available at the reception for those who might need them, however they should returned immediately after the visit, while Men should wear trousers, shirts with sleeves
This symbol of religious architecture is the second biggest mosque on the continent of Africa, having a sitting capacity of over 200,000 people. Because of its height, it offers breathtaking city wide views. Today the mosque is led by Mufti Sheikh Shaban Ramathan Mubajje. There are 5 daily prayers conducted at this mosque every day.
There is a lot to see in this place, from the art, the stairs that hang in the air like a rainbow at dawn, and much more. It is a very close neighbor to the Kabaka palace, thus it would be a wonderful place to visit just after having your palace tour.