Bahai Temple
The Bahai temple is also be called Mashriqu’l- Adhkar. This temple is the only temple on the continent Africa and one of only nine around the world. The temple on the hill is located 3 kilometres (two miles) away Kampala the capital of Uganda. It is clearly located on Kikaya hill in Kampala, in Kawempe Division.
Uganda has a large number of followers in the neighbouring countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda. It is not clear why Uganda was chosen to have only African Bahai temple.
Historically, the English and Iranian followers of the faith arrived in Uganda in the late 1951’s hoping to introduce Bahai to the local people. By 1952, they managed to get new followers that added up to 100 people that had faith in Bahai.
After some years, the pioneers moved out of Uganda to spread and attract other people in the continent
A big foundation stone was placed for the first and only mother temple of Africa 5 years later. The very first Bahai inter-continental conference for Africa was held in Kampala.
According to history, the Bahai faith was founded in 1844 by Baha’u’llah, who was born in Mirza Husayn-‘Ali’ Nuri from Persia, Present day Iran.
Baha’u’llah means glory of God in Arabic. Believers of Baha’u’llah are called Baha’s and they follow a religion that seeks to unite all races. This faith emphasizes that human rights are a priority in teaching the real and true values of humanity.
Africa’s only Bahai Temple.
After a hundred years, the mother temple of Africa continues to operate. The doors are open to thousands of visitors from all walks of life.
For instance, Bahai Temple is one of the nine temples of the world. Chile, USA, Germany, Panama, Samoa, India, Australia, Cambodia.
The Bahai temples around the world were constructed and designed in a manner that fuses traditional, artistic and spiritual values.
The African one is constructed on a traditional African hut. Like the dome-like shape symbolizes the divine circle, a reflection of heaven on earth and the spirituality of sacred borders.
This temple stands closely 37 meters (125 feet) tall. History says that after construction, the temple was the tallest building in East Africa. It was constructed with a circular covered porch on the lowest level that provides protection from the seasonal strong winds and heavy pours
The temple is surrounded with beautiful sceneries and structures like hotels that can as well accommodate people. Accommodation options in Kampala; For instance Grand Imperial, Sheraton hotel, Pearl of Africa among others and are close to the Temple.
