Uganda National Mosque in Old Kampala, Kampala: Hours, Facilities and Family Guide
Museums and history in Old Kampala, Kampala
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The national mosque on Old Kampala Hill, with a guided tour of the prayer hall and a climb up the 304-step minaret for panoramic views over Kampala.
What is Uganda National Mosque?
The Uganda National Mosque, originally the Gaddafi National Mosque, stands on Old Kampala Hill and is one of the largest mosques in East Africa. It was commissioned by Muammar Gaddafi and completed in 2006, with a main prayer hall that holds thousands, Italian glass windows, carved doors and Turkish carpets.
Visitors of any faith are welcome outside Friday midday prayers. The entrance fee includes a guide and the climb up the minaret - 304 steps to a viewing platform with 360-degree views over Kampala's seven hills. It is one of the best short activities in the city for children old enough to manage the stairs.
The mosque is one of the largest in East Africa and is open to visitors of all faiths as a place of worship and a city landmark.
💡 Money-saving tips for families
- Avoid Friday midday The mosque is closed to non-Muslim visitors then
- Climb the minaret The views are the highlight
- Dress modestly Headscarves are provided for women
Is it right for your child's age?
| Age group | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 years | Poor | Too many stairs for the minaret |
| 3-5 years | Okay | Prayer hall only, with an adult |
| 6-9 years | Good | The climb if they are steady on stairs |
| 10-12 years | Great | Minaret climb and the views |
| 13+ years | Great | Full tour and climb |
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Key details
- Price
- Entry from UGX 25,000
- Address
- Old Kampala Hill, Kampala, Kampala
- Opening hours
- Daily 7:30am to 6pm; weekends 8:30am to 4:30pm; closed to non-Muslim visitors on Friday from noon to 2pm Closed now
- How long to plan
- 1 to 1.5 hours
- Suitable ages
- All ages
- Setting
- Both
- Booking
- Walk-in; a guide meets you at the entrance
- Payment accepted
- Cash at the entrance
What to expect when you visit
Pay at the entrance and a guide will take you through the prayer hall, explaining the architecture and the history of the building. Shoes are removed before entering, and headscarves are provided for women.
Then climb the minaret - 304 steps to a platform with views across Kampala. Allow an hour to an hour and a half, and avoid Friday midday, when the mosque is closed to non-Muslim visitors.
What if...?
The questions every parent asks before booking. Tap to expand.
Can non-Muslims visit?
Yes, outside Friday midday prayers.
Is the minaret climb hard?
It is 304 steps - fine for steady children, not for toddlers.
What is included in the fee?
A guide, the prayer hall and the minaret climb.
Family essentials
- Suitable age bands
- 0–2 years
- 3–5 years
- 6–9 years
- 10–12 years
- 13+ years
- Safety notes
Dress modestly, remove shoes before entering, and keep children quiet in the prayer hall.
Tickets and costs
- Adult entry: Kenya / East African resident
- UGX 25,000
- Toddler entry (0 if free)
- Free
- Ticket notes
UGX 25,000 per person, including a guide and access to the minaret. Headscarves are provided at the entrance.
- Parking
- Free
- Free entry rules
- No
- Extra costs (activities, rentals, food)
Guided tour, minaret climb
- Return transport (estimate, flat)
- Free
- Transport estimate note
- Matatu to Old Kampala, then a short walk
Plan your visit
- Combine with
- Kasubi Tombs
- Uganda Museum
- Ndere Cultural Centre
- What to bring
- Modest clothing
- shoes you can remove
- water for the climb
Accessibility deep dive
Here is what to expect on the ground.
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Family day bag checklist
What visitors say
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Frequently asked questions
- What are the Uganda National Mosque opening hours?
- Daily 7:30am to 6pm; weekends 8:30am to 4:30pm; closed to non-Muslim visitors on Friday from noon to 2pm.
- How long do you need at Uganda National Mosque?
- Plan for 1 to 1.5 hours.
- What payment methods does Uganda National Mosque accept?
- Uganda National Mosque accepts Cash at the entrance. It does not accept cash.
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