The Bahai House of Worship on Kikaya Hill in Kampala is one of the world’s eight continental Bahai Temples — the Mother Temple of Africa and one of the most architecturally significant religious buildings on the continent. Set on a hilltop with sweeping views across Kampala, the temple’s distinctive white dome has been a Ugandan capital landmark since its completion in 1961. It is open to visitors of all faiths and none, and is one of Kampala’s most rewarding and peaceful urban attractions.
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About the Bahai Faith in Africa
The Bahai Faith is an independent world religion founded in Iran in the 19th century, teaching the essential unity of all major world religions, the equality of men and women, and the elimination of all forms of prejudice. Africa has one of the world’s largest Bahai populations — Uganda has had an active Bahai community since the 1950s, and the Kampala temple was built as a symbol of the faith’s commitment to Africa and a gathering place for Bahais from across the continent.
The Temple: Architecture and Design
The Kampala Bahai Temple was designed by Iranian-American architect Charles Mason Remey and completed in 1961 — the first of the continental Bahai Temples to be built. The building’s nine sides (nine symbolising completeness in the Bahai Faith) are constructed in white cement with a central dome rising 38 metres. The nine entrances symbolise that all people and all religions are welcome. The interior is a single circular auditorium seating approximately 800 people, lit by natural light through dome windows. The landscaped gardens on the hillside below are meticulously maintained.
Visiting the Temple
- Location: Kikaya Hill, Gayaza Road, approximately 10km north of Kampala city centre
- Opening hours: Daily 9:00am–6:00pm
- Entry: Free (donations welcome)
- Dress code: Modest dress; covered shoulders and knees. Headscarves for women entering the inner temple (available at the entrance).
- Photography: Permitted in the gardens and exterior; respectful photography inside the temple allowed
- Guided tours: Volunteer guides available to explain the architecture, Bahai faith, and the temple’s history
The Views
The Bahai Temple gardens offer one of Kampala’s best panoramas — 360-degree views across Kampala’s famous seven hills, the northern suburbs, and on clear days, the Rwenzori Mountains to the west. Arrive in the morning for the clearest views before Kampala’s afternoon cloud builds up.
Combining with Other Kampala Attractions
The Bahai Temple pairs well with: Uganda Museum (Kitante Road), Kasubi Tombs (UNESCO), Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, and the Craft Village at Buganda Road. Most Kampala city tours include the Bahai Temple as a standard stop. Superfine Safaris includes a Kampala city tour in Uganda safari packages on request. Contact us for a 2027 itinerary that begins with a Kampala introduction before heading into the national parks.
