Kampala Baháʼí Temple

The mother temple of a continent, the Baháʼí House of Worship near Kampala is the only such temple for the entire African continent, standing on Kikaaya Hill on the northern edge of the Ugandan capital. Completed in the early 1960s, its graceful green-domed form crowns the hilltop and is set within extensive, beautifully tended gardens.

Its architecture follows Baháʼí principles. Like other Houses of Worship around the world, it is a nine-sided structure, with nine entrances symbolising the welcome of people from all directions and all backgrounds, gathered under a single dome. The building rises to a slender peak, and the interplay of the tiled roof, arched openings and surrounding greenery gives it a serene, uplifting quality.

The temple is open to everyone. In keeping with the faith's emphasis on unity, people of all religions are welcome to enter the quiet, prayerful interior, where devotional readings from various scriptures are shared and no sermons are preached. The calm and simplicity inside contrast with the busy city below, making it a place of reflection for visitors of any belief.

The gardens are as much an attraction as the building. Lawns, flowering shrubs and shaded paths spread over the hill, offering sweeping views across Kampala and a peaceful retreat from the traffic and noise of the centre. Entry is free, and visitors are asked to dress modestly and keep quiet within the temple. Reaching the hill takes a short drive from the city, and the site combines easily with other landmarks around the capital. As a symbol of interfaith harmony and a rare piece of modern sacred architecture, the Kampala Baháʼí Temple is one of the city's most distinctive sights.