Three New Temples Announced in Africa

Three new Temples for Africa were announced in the 194 semi-annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The conference takes place simultaneously across the globe but was held in person in Salt Lake City in October 2024.

New Temples for Africa were announced in:

• Abuja, Nigeria
• Kampala, Uganda
• Maputo, Mozambique

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“We all have access to the gift of God’s power. Every time we cross the threshold of a temple. This is why I cherish my temple recommend,” said Emily Belle Freeman, speaking at the conference. She went on to quote from sacred scripture, ‘In the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest’, Doctrine and Covenants 84:20.

There are currently 26 Temples announced, under construction or dedicated on the African continent and its islands. This announcement will bring the number to 29. This includes Madagascar and Cape Verde.

Only 5 are operating currently in Kinshasa DRC, Aba Nigeria, Johannesburg South Africa, Durban South Africa, and Accra Ghana.

“We build temples to honor the Lord,” President Nelson said at the dedication of the Manti Utah, Temple in April 2024. “They are built for worship and not for show. We make sacred covenants of eternal significance inside these sacred walls. I emphasize again that construction of these temples may not change your life, but your service in the temple surely will.”

Abuja, Nigeria

The Abuja Nigeria Temple will be the sixth temple built in this West African country. The Aba Nigeria Temple was dedicated in 2005. The four other temples under construction or in planning in Nigeria are the Benin City Nigeria Temple, the Calabar Nigeria Temple, the Eket Nigeria Temple and the Lagos Nigeria Temple. There are more than 230,000 Latter-day Saints in around 810 congregations in Nigeria. Abuja is the nation’s capital.

Kampala, Uganda

The Kampala Uganda Temple will be the first temple in Uganda, a country located in east-central Africa. Uganda is home to more than 22,000 Latter-day Saints in about 40 congregations. Kampala, the capital and largest city, is located on the East African Plateau. Expatriate Latter-day Saints lived in and held meetings in Uganda in the 1960s. The first official congregation was established in the early 1990s.

Loyce Mugabi Director of Church Communication in Uganda said, " This announcement is another confirmation that God hears our prayers and is mindful of our individual circumstances. He is walking this journey with us, and the Temple will be a powerful reminder of that."

Other quotes received immediately after the conference from members in Uganda:

“Indeed, our joy is full. We are grateful to have this opportunity for more covenant keeping in our land. Our Father in Heaven has seen it fit in His timing that we can have His house closer to us. A temple is indeed a great blessing.”  Mary Wafula, Ntinda Ward

"A temple in Kampala is a blessing to not only Latter-Day Saints, but a sign of hope to every Ugandan.” Simon Ahimbisibwe, Mengo Ward.

“The temple will stand as a beacon of light and a house of peace, where families will be sealed together for eternity. It is also a true blessing that will bring increased spiritual strength and joy to the people in this part of the world.” Moses, Mutungo Ward.

“I am so happy that we will be hosting his house in Our midst.  I can imagine how it's going to help many. All the peace and heavenly blessings will flow into our families and lives. I have always prayed for the Lord's house to be on our land. Thanks to heavenly Father my prayers have been heard and answered.” Mubangizi Benedicto, Mukono Ward.  

Maputo, Mozambique

The Maputo Mozambique Temple will be the second house of the Lord in the country. The first was the Beira Mozambique Temple, announced in April 2021. Mozambique, a country in Southern Africa, is home to nearly 25,000 Latter-day Saints in about 70 congregations. Maputo, a city of over 1 million people, is the capital of Mozambique. Missionary work officially began in the country in 1999.

Latter-day Saint temples are considered houses of God, a place of holiness and peace separate from the preoccupations of the world. They provide a place where Church members make formal promises and commitments to God. They are also the place where the highest sacraments of the faith occur — the marriage of couples and the “sealing” of families for eternity.

Temples serve as the only place where ceremonies such as baptism and eternal marriage can be performed in behalf of those who have died — a practice that Latter-day Saints believe was followed in New Testament times but that later was lost.

Temples point Latter-day Saints to Jesus Christ and their eventual life with Him, their Heavenly Father and their family members on the condition of faithfulness to Christ’s teachings.