The Camp of Impalas
In 1887, British Colonialists arrived to find one of the largest powers in East Africa, the Baganda Kingdom situated in Mengo. Mengo remained under native authority whilst the neighbouring land became ‘Kampala’ - a key commercial and administrative centre under the control of the colonialists. Upon arrival, British captain, Frederick Lugard built a fort on top of ‘Old Kampala Hill’. Six other hills were recognised within the boundaries of Kampala including: Rugaba, Namirembe, Nakasero, Kololo, Kibuli and Mengo.
In the 1970’s, under the command of former President Idi Amin, the old fort was moved to make way for a new mosque. Other hills were topped with religious establishments predominantly for Christians such as Namirembe Cathedral, All Saints Cathedral (Nakasero) and Rubaga Cathedral. However, there was only one mosque built on top of a hill (Kibuli) and another mosque was needed to acknowledge and provide more space for the Muslim community in Kampala. Construction of the mosque started quickly but stalled for years until 2003 when Colonel Gadaffi visited Uganda and provided funding for its completion. It was named the ‘Gadaffi National Mosque’ and opened in 2007 as the largest Mosque in East Africa with a seating capacity of 15,000 people. Is has since been renamed ‘Uganda National Mosque’.
On a guided tour around the Uganda National Mosque, which is now a major tourist destination in Kampala, our guide told us a series of stories, the first, was about the origins of the name ‘Kampala’. She explained how prior to the arrival of colonialists, swamps and hills dominated much of the area where Kampala presently exists. It was a hunting ground for the Baganda King and an ideal location for Impalas who would graze the hills and drink from the low-lying swamps. The colonialists entitled it the ‘Camp of Impalas’ and with time people would say ‘we’re going to Camp Impala’ which eventually became ‘Kampala’. This is just one of the various folklores used to describe the root of the name ‘Kampala’.
At the top of the Mosque's minaret, 304 steps high, there lies an extensive view across the various that make up Kampala. The radial pattern of roads extending from the old fort in Old Kampala and various historic spaces, including Owino market are clearly visible within the vast view. It is fascinating to see the rapid expansion and developments of Kampala across the historic urban footprint of the city.
Radial Routes (above) Owino Makret (below)
Ugandan National Mosque
