Short answer: The Bahai Temple Kampala, the Baha’i House of Worship on Kikaaya Hill, is known as the Mother Temple of Africa. It was dedicated in January 1961, seats 800 people and stands in more than 52 acres of gardens about 7 km from the city centre. Visitors of all backgrounds are welcome to enter quietly and pray or reflect.
Last updated: 29 October 2026. Check visiting hours with the temple or your guide before you go.
The Bahai Temple in Kampala is one of the calmest places in the city. Its dome rises above gardens on a hill north of the centre, and it welcomes people of every faith. This guide explains its history, what you can see, and how to visit without disturbing worshippers.
History of the Bahai Temple Kampala
The temple was designed by the architect Charles Mason Remey. Its foundation stone was laid on 26 January 1957, and it was dedicated in January 1961. It was the third Baha’i House of Worship completed anywhere in the world and, at the time, the tallest building in East Africa, according to Wikipedia’s entry on the temple.
Shoghi Effendi, the head of the Baha’i Faith at the time, gave it the title Mother Temple of Africa. He favoured Kampala because it lies in the heart of the continent, and because Kampala was the first place in Africa to see large numbers of Baha’i conversions.
Bahai Temple Kampala key facts
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Location | Kikaaya Hill, about 7 km from Kampala city centre |
| Architect | Charles Mason Remey |
| Foundation stone | 26 January 1957 |
| Dedicated | January 1961 |
| Dome height | Over 37 m |
| Overall height | Over 39 m |
| Seating | 800 |
| Grounds | More than 52 acres, with gardens, a guest house and an administrative centre |
| Nickname | Mother Temple of Africa |
What to see and do
The building is the main attraction, but the gardens are part of the experience. Students read there and people pray and rest in the grounds, and the news service of the Baha’i community describes visitors as welcome to enter and worship at their convenience.
Inside, the temple is a place for silent prayer and meditation rather than sermons or ritual. Visitors from other faiths often use it as a calm stop in a busy itinerary. You can read more on the Baha’i World News Service’s story on the temple’s 50th anniversary.
Visitor tips and etiquette
- Dress modestly. Cover shoulders and knees.
- Be quiet inside. It is a place of prayer and reflection.
- Follow posted rules on shoes and photography. Taking photos outside is usually fine, but ask before photographing inside.
- Leave preaching at home. Visitors are there to pray or reflect, not to convert others.
- Confirm hours. We have not found official visiting hours, so ask your guide or the temple office first.
Our Uganda dress code guide has more on what to wear.
Combine the temple with other faith sites
The Bahai Temple Kampala fits naturally into multi-faith itineraries. It is part of the 6-day Baha’i, Orthodox, Hindu and Catholic pilgrimage and the 5-day multi-faith spiritual pilgrimage.
For a shorter outing, pair it with the Kampala National Mosque or the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine. Our religious tourism in Uganda page lists every itinerary.
Bahai Temple Kampala FAQs
Where is the Bahai Temple Kampala?
It stands on Kikaaya Hill, about 7 km from the centre of Kampala. The grounds cover more than 52 acres and include gardens, a guest house and an administrative centre.
Can anyone visit the Bahai Temple Kampala?
Yes. Baha’i Houses of Worship welcome people of all backgrounds, and the Baha’i community describes visitors of different faiths praying there together. Dress modestly and keep quiet inside.
Why is it called the Mother Temple of Africa?
Shoghi Effendi, then head of the Baha’i Faith, gave it the title. It was the first Baha’i House of Worship in Africa, and Kampala was chosen for its place in the heart of the continent.
How many people does the temple seat?
It seats 800 people. The dome is over 37 m high and the whole building is over 39 m tall.
Is there an entry fee?
We have not found a published entry fee, so ask the temple office or your guide before you go. Tours that include the temple are arranged on request. Request a free quote.
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About the author: Victoria Kayaga
Victoria Kayaga is a Ugandan-born safari expert and the founder of Afraeka Adventures, with over 7 years of experience in the East African tourism industry. She specializes in gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris and multi-country itineraries across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania.
