---

The Uganda Buddhist Centre (UBC) was founded by the Most Ven. Bhante Buddharakkhita (the first African Buddhist monk) on April 10, 2005. The Centre was founded to introduce and preserve the Buddha’s teachings within the context of African culture, and to exemplify the Buddhist practice through service to the public. Presently, UBC achieves this through organizing meditation retreats, its humanitarian services, and through the activities of promoting world peace. Historical Context Buddhism had existed in Africa for quite a number of decades especially in Tanzania and South Africa, but it was still distant to people of African descent. In Uganda, it was the Most Ven. Bhante Buddharakkhita who for the first time introduced Buddhism to Ugandans in 2005. Bhante Buddharakkhita was born as Steven Jjemba Kaboggoza). He first encountered Buddhism while studying at the University of Punjab in India. While there, Steven came across Thai Buddhist monks, who inspired him with their simple

---