Spiritual Tours in Uganda

There are several Spiritual Tours in Uganda or religious sites in Uganda. Among these sites, some belong to the different religious denominations in the country. It is only in Uganda where you can visit a number of holy or spiritual places while on a city tour. This is because most of these sites are not located far from Kampala City Centre. Below are the well-known places that you can visit while on safari in Uganda.

Baha’i Temple

The Baha’i temple is also known as the Mashriqu’I-Adhkar. Which is translated to mean the “Dawning-place of the remembrance of God. Located 4 miles from Kampala and sits on 52 acres of land on Kikaya Hill along Gayaza Road.

Additionally it attracts various visitors. For instance those on religious tours and others who come to enjoy the beautiful landscape views. The environment is favorable for those people that want to take time to be alone as they meditate and pray. Spiritual Tours in Uganda

The baha’i temple is open on a daily basis from 9:00pm to 5:00 pm. And the visitors that want to know more about this faith. And also can join the locals on Sundays from 10:30 am for service. In case you want to have a city tour around Kampala. Then Baha’i temple should miss on your itinerary, your visit there is truly memorable.

Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine

The Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine is a distinctive spiritual place to most Christians in Uganda and the neighboring countries. Situated about 11 kilometers from Kampala in an area called Namugongo in Wakiso district. The Martyrs’ shrine has a very beautiful exterior made of copper pillars which are about 100ft long.

The Shrine was constructed to remember the 32 young men. Brutally murdered under the orders of the King of Buganda Kabaka Mwanga II.  Told to renounce Christianity. And they refused, they were given a few days in case they change their minds. But they refused, so on 3rd June 1886, they were burnt till their last breath.

Every year on 3rd June, thousands of Christians both Catholics (majority) and Anglicans from all over the world. Gather at this shrine to honor the religious beliefs and lives of martyrs’. Many pilgrims start their journey to the Martyrs’ Shrine in the last weeks of May. Most of them are seen walking on foot along the main highways in different parts of the Country.

They go ahead to fast as they give thanks to God. They believe by walking on foot they get blessings from God. Apart from the shrine, there is also a man-made lake to explore, martyrs’ museum and also another Martyrs’ shrine in Munyonyo.

Uganda National Mosque

Also called the Old Kampala Mosque, is the largest mosque in East Africa. Situated in Old Kampala on Kampala Hill in Uganda about 2km from the City Centre. It has a seating capacity of 15,000 worshipers, and on the terrace 3,500 and 1,100 in the gallery.

The mosque was commissioned by late Col. Muammar Gaddafi under the name Gaddafi National Mosque; in 2013 after his death, the name was changed to Uganda National Mosque since Libyan new administration had failed to take care of the mosque under its former name.

The late Col. Gaddafi gave this mosque to the Ugandan Muslim community as a gift. It is where the office of the Supreme Mufti of Uganda is. And also has facilities such as conference and meeting facilities.

This one stands out as a skyscraper mosque. The minaret of the mosque offers great views of the city and its outskirts. It is one of the places you can visit while on a Kampala city tour.

St. Paul’s Namirembe Cathedral

The Namirembe Cathedral as many call  situated in Kampala on Namirembe Hill. It is Namirembe’s diocese’s diocesan cathedral and the provincial cathedral of the Church of Uganda. It is Uganda’s oldest cathedral. Accommodating 800 people.

And when you get there it has a very spectacular view of the city and nearby areas.  Also a graveyard where the Cooks were laid. And also Bishop Hannington’s remains were buried after his brutal murder in 1885.

Jewish/Abayudaya Community of Uganda

The Abayudaya are a community of people that practice Judaism. They reside in the Eastern part of Uganda just outside Mbale Town. The word Abayudaya is a Luganda word to mean “people of Judah”. The Abayudaya kept the Kashrut and observed Shabbat.

They live in different villages and their population is about 3000. Speak mainly Lusoga, Lugwere, Luganda and some of them have learned speaking Hebrew as well. Practice farming especially the growth of coffee.

This group of people led by Semei Kakungulu. Who was a Muganda Military leader and they regard themselves to be Jews by choice. The Abayudaya community is a place where you can volunteer in the community an also learn about Jewish life.

Visitors to Uganda that are of the Jewish faith can be assured of enjoying Shabbat. And those who want to experience more. Can visit coffee plantations or hike Mount Elgon as well as visiting the Sipi Falls.

St. Mary’s Rubaga Catholic Cathedral

Commonly known as the Rubaga Cathedral. A beautiful ancient cathedral and a significant site to the educational, religious, and health sectors of the people. Also an important place of worship to the catholic faith. And also to the non-Catholics a great attraction because of its beautiful Romanesque architecture. Big numbers of tourists visit this cathedral every year.

Situated on Rubaga Hill about 3km from Kampala city center. The Rubaga Cathedral stands as the headquarter of the Catholic Church and is the oldest Roman Catholic diocese in Uganda. It is also home of the current Kampala diocese Archbishop; Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga. Outside the cathedral is the burial ground of the remains of the first African Archbishop and first African Bishop of the diocese of Kampala.