Bahai Temple the only Mother Temple in the continent of Africa is also known as Mashriqu’l-Adhkar. There are only 9 temples of the Bahai religion in the entire globe having with each continent having only one Temple. In Uganda, the Baha’i Temple lies a short distance from Kampala, the country’s capital. Four km along Gayaza Road, in Kisasi, is where the temple is situated atop Kikaya Hill. Early in the 19th century, the Baha’i faith was not very popular in Uganda; however, that began to change in 1951. After four years, nine pioneers were sent to other African nations along with more than 500 Baha’is from 80 communities, including the 13 Bahai local Spiritual Assemblies.
When Amin’s family and the Bahai Hand of the Cause, Enoch Olinga, were killed, the faith was once more lost. After Amin’s demise, the faith began to retrace its steps and eventually gained momentum, with 105,000 believers in all. Promoting Ugandan welfare was the primary goal of increased community involvement. Bahai temple is a house of worship where the Bahai faith believers go and assemble. The Bahai temple sits on 52 acres of land high on the tip of the hill with its unique architectural masterpiece. Built between 1958 and 1961, it is 130 feet long and has a diameter of 44 feet. The building’s nine-sided design symbolizes the nine temples that exist worldwide.
The history of Bahai Religion in Uganda (Bahai Temple).
The Bahai religion was brought to Uganda in September 1946 through Uganda Doctor called Dr Ernest Kalibala who was among the first Ugandans to get PhD. While employed by the UN, Dr. Kalibala was brought to New York to speak at a conference held in the Baha’i Centre. When he observed that all of the adherents worked towards the same objective consistently, he became intrigued by the religion. In contrast to other religions that were brought to Africa by white missionaries, Bahia was brought to Uganda by one of our own citizens. After coordinated efforts by Americans, British, Egyptians, and the Persian Bahai Community, the plans came to pass approximately in 1950. On August 3, 1951, the Baha’i materials were translated into several African languages and shipped to that continent.
The first two Ugandans to convert to the Baha’i faith were Fred Bigabwa, a Mutoro by tribe, and Kajubi, a Muganda by tribe. It took them two months. Subsequently, Enoch Olinga, a war veteran and Itesot by tribe, joined the team and became the first Etesot to become Bahi. He gave up alcohol entirely, which cost him his government job.
In 1952, Uganda had its first Baha’i Spiritual Assembly, during which time its members were chosen. Uganda was selected as the African location for the construction of the Baha’i temple as a result of these assemblies. The Baha’i temple of worship in Uganda was built on land that was purchased under the trust of three Ugandans: Joseph Mbogo, Max Kanyerezi, and Elisha Kiwanuka. Situated on the upper slope of Kikaya slope Fund, on the outskirts of Kampala, the shrine was dubbed Mother Shrine of Africa.
At the location of the present Bahai temple, the magnificent event of 1958 saw the Hands of the Cause, Ruhiyyih Khanum, lay the foundation stone while Musa Banani gave all the material presents. Earth from the castle of Maku, where the Bab was held captive, and earth from the deepest shrine of Bahaullah were among the presents.
The Mother Temple of Africa (Bahai temple) over half-century continues to be open to thousands of tourists from all corners of the globe every year. The temple welcomes every kind of believers and non-believers too. Being the only temple in Africa, Bahai temple is ninth with others found in Chile, USA, German, Samoa, Panama, India, Cambodia and Australia. With a round shape that represents the divine circle that mirrors heaven on earth and the mysticism of the sacred borders, the Bahai temple is modelled after a typical African hut.
The temple, which occupies 50 acres, was planned with the nation’s climate in mind. Because the temple was constructed on an elevated site, the lowest level’s circular porch offers defense from powerful wings. The interior dome is painted blue, while the exterior is painted green and white. The Bahai temple can accommodate more than 400 people, hence the seating arrangements there are modest.
One of the must-see tourist attractions in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, is the Baha’i Temple. The temple features lovely gardens with an evergreen complex, and from a high point, one may get a good view of the city. Their mentors, particularly M Eric Wafula has been a guide at the temple for many years and has a wealth of experience. He possesses every part of the Baha’i temple’s culture and religion, making him wealthy. At the Baha’i temple, three necessary prayers are said each day, as stated in their holy book, Kitab-i-Aqdas. The religion’s founder, Baha I, penned this treatise in 1873. It includes all of the rules and legislation pertaining to religion. These laws or regulations are followed and adhered to by all Bahi followers. Baha’is do not have a set day for prayers; instead, they pray whenever they have spare time. In Uganda, prayers are held at the Baha’i temple on Sundays, regardless of clothing code.
There are just eleven holy days in the Baha’i religion, which include the twin holy birthdays, the two days that coincide with Bab and Bahaullah’s births, and other celebrations. Instead of practicing baptism, the Baha’i wait until the kid turns 15 to declare their faith, at which point they issue declaration certificates. If a believer is far from a temple, they can still worship in one of the more than ten Baha’i centers spread throughout Uganda. The temple is still accessible to all visitors, religious and non-religious, and it is still one of Uganda’s top tourist safari destinations in the country’s capital city. Come observe the seven hills that comprise Kampala’s city from above during your visit to the Bahai Temple. It is typically included in the Kampala City tour packages and has made a significant contribution to the Ugandan tourism industry.