Mother Temple of Africa, Bahá'í House of Worship in Kampala, Uganda
Mother Temple of Africa is a Bahá'í house of prayer on Kikaya Hill with a distinctive dome-shaped structure that stands 39 meters tall. The exterior features green walls decorated with white mosaic tiles from Italy and Belgium, with nine separate entrances allowing access from different directions.
Built between 1958 and 1961, this structure was once the tallest building in East Africa and a regional landmark. It survived multiple civil conflicts and remains intact as a testament to its solid construction and enduring significance.
The temple serves as Africa's primary center for Bahá'í worship and welcomes people of all faiths to pray and reflect together without formal services or rituals. Visitors can participate regardless of their religious background and share in the quiet space for contemplation.
The temple welcomes visitors from Tuesday through Thursday and on weekends between 8:00 and 17:00, with photography permitted only outside the main building. Multiple entrances and well-maintained pathways make the grounds easy to navigate without requiring specific knowledge beforehand.
The building's architecture blends elements of traditional African huts with contemporary design, with the dome deliberately shaped according to local building traditions and spanning 44 feet in diameter. This fusion shows how modern Bahá'í design honors and incorporates African roots into its structure.
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