By Kitumba John Mary
Across the fabric of time, edifices have been built to emulate mankind’s devotion to deity. Seated silent on the Kampala skyline, Gadhafi mosque renamed as Uganda National Mosque with large domes covered in brown mosaic and a Minaret rivalling the typical Ugandan ‘sky-scraper’. Gadhafi mosque is a symbol of religious architectural superiority. One of this country’s many tourist destinations and the second largest mosque in Africa, seating about 35,000 believers, Gadhafi mosque is not just size. Nested atop one of Kampala’s hills, Gadhafi mosque offers breath-taking city-wide views, religious artistry, beautiful Islamic embroidery on the inside of the dome and wondrous architectural elements that pay tribute to a great deity.
Like with any piece of art, there is a lot here to excite visitors. As though ascending to the heavens, the main entrance sets the pace and mood for worship with a half-ring arch over the main entrance stair that hangs in the sky like a mosaic rainbow. Although the Plaza fronting the entrance is a reflection of the sky, as your bare feet touch the warm floor you are reminded that this is a place for reflection. With the warm natural light streaming in from various places, the atmosphere inside the mosque is that of silent reverence. Excitement rises as the carpet fur rubs against your feet while you wonder at the magnificent domes, their art and the large suspended glass chandeliers. The columns adorned with ribbed wood at their feet rise to become magnificent arches. The stained glass windows that allow light to play about in delightful spectrum are all things to marvel at. This mosque is not just a normal prayer hall; it bears likeness to the grandeur of a Roman basilica.
On the west side of the mosque stands a 46 metre minaret from which you will enjoy a panoramic view of the city. This building triumphs at combining different elements or architecture from various parts of the world creating a beautiful monument to Islamic architecture. The domes, the Moroccan art, the Egyptian chandeliers, the glass stained window and the wooden doors with Zanzibar origin are all set in perfect harmony.
Where others will scream to be heard, the Uganda national mosques will only regard you in a loud whisper, but it will surely live a mark on your heart as one of Uganda’s most magnificent buildings. A model of Silent Superiority.
By Kitumba JM(2015)
