WHERE TO GO FOR RELIGIOUS TOURISM IN UGANDA

WHERE TO GO FOR RELIGIOUS TOURISM IN UGANDA

Religion is something that is believed in worldwide, almost all countries have different beliefs that divide them into several denominations. Having faith dates even back to the biblical teachings when people used to travel to Jerusalem for the Passover festival.

Our national motto being “For God and my country”, surely proves that faith is a very important aspect in Uganda, be it cultural, economic or politics. Uganda has a wide diversity of religions, though Christianity and Islam are the dominant ones.

Most safaris in Uganda head to the country’s national parks that are gifted with amazing natural vegetation, variety of wildlife species and beautiful and unique cultures to explore. This is the very reason why religious tourism in Uganda has not been so much considered yet yearly pilgrims to different religious sites are always conducted.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization estimates over 300 millions of tourists visit the world’s top most religious sites annually, with both local and international journeys. So, with this increasing number of faith based tourists, we cannot deny the potential of a new tourism niche.

Several tourists visit storm religious sites for different reasons, some for study and research purposes, and others to strengthen their relationship with God while others might just want to explore what other denominations really do. However, regardless of the reason for the visit, below are the top most religious destinations to consider when conducting a faith based trip to Uganda.

Bahai temple of Africa. This is a true house of worship located in Kisaasi a suburb in Kampala city. It is the largest temple in East Africa and the only one of its kind in Africa. Its spacious compound, colored green, offers a wide range of photographic opportunities, though tourists are not allowed to take photos inside the temple. This is one of the cleanest spots you can ever see around Kampala capital city, with numerous spots to sit, relax, meditate and worship. Bahai temple is sure one place any tourist shouldn’t miss, even if it’s just a short tour in Kampala city.

Gadhafi mosque. If you are in Kampala, and you have not yet checked out the Gadhafi mosque, then you are missing out on something you have never thought of. The ancient mosque furnishes the best views of the whole city. It is the biggest mosque in Uganda and east Africa as a whole. The mosque was commissioned as a gift to Uganda by Colonel Muammar Gaddafi of Libya and it was completed in 2006. It accommodates approximately 15000 worshipers and it has the head offices for the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council. It is simply one spot that you shouldn’t miss on your trip in Uganda.

Uganda Martyrs’ church in Namugongo. This is the most attractive religious spot in Uganda. Both in terms of structures and the history behind the shrine, they are really amazing. First looking at the church itself, the architect is not found anywhere else in Uganda, the pavilion is one perfect place for meditation. And when it comes to the history, it is the most amazing story you will ever hear. Listening to how the innocent Ugandans were slaughtered by Kabaka Mwanga because of faith, it is simply soul touching.

It’s not that those are the only places where one can go to for religious tourism in Uganda, but they are the best destinations for faith based travelers. However, such trips can still go to Namirembe and Rubaga cathedrals, the world’s tiniest church in Northern Uganda plus other several destinations. If it’s a religious trip, consider Uganda.