Bahai Temple- When one thinks of coming to Uganda, what comes into one’s mind are the gorillas, chimpanzees, birds and probably how to get to Kibale, Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth mention them….. A few people who take tours around Uganda and probably put their emphasis on Kampala will focus on sites like the Kasubi tombs, Gadhafi mosque, Lubiri palace, the martyrs’ shrine etc.

But there is a place that very few people give attention and yet it is filled with a lot of interesting culture and history:

THE BAHAI TEMPLE UGANDA

It is the only one in Africa was built in Uganda. It is a unique building and a source of wonder to many. It has become a tourist attraction not only to the locals but foreigners too. The Bahai faith is a phenomenon of its own. Founded over a century and a half ago, the Bahai faith is one of the fastest growing beliefs/ religions of the world. With more than five million believers residing in over 124,000 localities, the Bahá’í Faith is established in 204 countries across the planet.

The spiritual principles of the Bahá’í Faith affirm its overall purpose–to bring about the oneness of humanity. In cooperation with these same principles, Bahá’ís also believe that there is only one Creator and that the spiritual truth of all religions is the same.

Bahá’u’lláh, the latest of these Messengers, brought new spiritual and social teachings for our time. His essential message is of unity. He taught the oneness of God, the oneness of the human family, and the oneness of religion. Bahá’u’lláh said, “The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens,” and that, as foretold in all the sacred scriptures of the past, now is the time for humanity to live in unity. Bahá’ís believe the crucial need facing humanity is to find a unifying vision of the nature and purpose of life and of the future of society. 

Bahá’ís worship God through prayer and meditation, by participating in devotional gatherings, and through active service to their communities. They individually recite one of three obligatory prayers each day as prescribed by Bahá’u’lláh. The Bahá’í scriptures offer much guidance on the uses of prayer and contain many prayers for various purposes and occasions. Moreover, work performed in the spirit of service is, according to the Bahá’í teachings, a form of worshiping God

There is no cost to pray at or tour the Bahai Temple on your tour in Uganda. You are not allowed to take photos inside the temple otherwise I tell you the sight is so enticing.

Other Baha’i temples include the Baha’i house of worship in North America, the Baha’i house of worship In Australia, the Baha’i house of worship in Germany, the Baha’i house worship in Panama, the Baha’i house of worship in Samoa, there Baha’i house of worship in India.

The difference with visiting the Baha’i Temple in Uganda is that it comes with a lot of complementaries like you can see in the picture above, the environment is good for birding, and seeing other attractions that may not be found elsewhere.