The Baha'is in Uganda just like their brothers and sisters in other parts of the world are involved in a number of activities aimed at promoting the wellbeing and betterment of our communities. These include providing children with moral and spiritual education, and helping young teenagers to develop their spiritual and intellectual qualities. Study circles provide participants with knowledge and skills that enable them to walk a path of service to humanity. We also have regular devotional meetings in private homes and public places in which Baha'is and their friends commune with God.
Baha'i inspired organisations operate in some communities in the country helping all people to promote the wellbeing of their own communities.
We also participate in many discourses that are taking place around the country such as the discourse on Science, Religion and Development - for more information about the community: Uganda Baha'i Community
The grounds reflect the Faith's views on environment and nature. It hosts a variety of trees, flowers and wildlife. For example: a study over 2014 was done on the type and frequency of visiting birds. The result records 105 different species (full list available at the Baha'i National Centre), here's the top ten in the list:
| Rank | Species Name | Individuals |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Common Bulbul | 445 | 2 | Red-eyed Dove | 145 |
| 3 | Rueppell's Glossy-starling | 141 |
| 4 | Black Kite | 106 |
| 5 | Northern Grey-headed Sparrow | 93 |
| 6 | Bronze Munia/Mannikin | 88 |
| 7 | Scarlet-chested Sunbird | 80 |
| 8 | Eastern Grey Plantain-eater | 80 |
| 9 | Hadada Ibis | 72 |
| 10 | Marabou Stork | 57 |
These were the words (see above) of Shoghi Effendi's (the then Head of the Baha'i Faith, known to the Baha'i Community as "the Guardian") responding cable to the news of the purchase of the Temple land in April 1954.
By August 1956, the drawings of the approved design, prepared under the Guardian's directions by a French architect, Mason Remey were forwarded to Kampala where the resident architect firm "Messrs. Cobb, Powell and Freeman" began the construction process. It was on 26 January 1958, in conjunction with the Intercontinental Conference, that the foundation stone was laid.
On the day of Dedication (14 January 1961), more than 1500 persons arrived to celebrate this event - of these were 450 Baha'is from numerous races and eleven other countries, all joined hands to mark this joyous occasion. The event made international news as well as a strong present in all the local media. Interestingly, the Temple was the tallest structure in East Africa at that time.
From that day, the House of Worship has been an inspiration to all visitors towards the ideals of a great common unity and a universal brotherhood with its nine doors - symbolizing an open welcome to all from whatever path to God that one treads.
It is not for him to pride himself who loveth his own country, but rather for him who loveth the whole world. The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens - from the Baha'i Writings
