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Uganda National Mosque
Mosque by Muammar Gaddafi located in Kampala Hill, Kampala, Uganda From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Uganda National Mosque (Arabic: مسجد أوغندة الوطني), previously known as the Gaddafi National Mosque, is a mosque located at Kampala Hill in the Old Kampala area of Kampala, Uganda. It is the largest mosque in East Africa[1] in a country where, as of 2014[update], 13.7% of the population was Muslim.[2]
Completed in 2006, it accommodates up to 15,000 worshipers and can hold another 1,100 in the gallery, while the sahn caters for another 3,500 worshipers. Former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi commissioned the mosque as a gift to Uganda, and for the benefit of the Muslim population. The mosque's 50.5-metre (166 ft) minaret defines the city's skyline.[3]
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History
The construction of the mosque began in 1972 by Idi Amin and was initially called the Old Kampala National Mosque. Construction halted in 1976 during a period of heightened political instability, and in 1979, after Amin was deposed, it seemed like the mosque may not be completed. But in 2001, Gaddafi expressed willingness to help complete it as a gift to Islamic faith in Uganda.[1]
The completed mosque was opened officially in June 2007 under the name Gaddafi National Mosque, and housed the head offices of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council.[4][5] It was renamed "Uganda National Mosque" in 2013 following the death of Colonel Gaddafi as the new Libyan administration was "reluctant to rehabilitate the mosque under the old name."[6]
The mosque's 50.5-metre (166 ft) minaret contains 272 stairs to reach the top.[7]
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Gallery
Interior view
View from the front
Dome
See also
References
External links
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