Kasolo to Kiruuta: Prioritise Imams’ welfare

By Hashim Kalungi
The state minister for Microfinance, Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, has advised the new Masaka regional Kadhi, Sheikh Badru Wasajja Kiruuta, to work towards uplifting the well-being of Imams.
Speaking last Friday at Masaka Main Masjid as Wasajja took the oath of office, Kasolo underscored the need to economically empower Muslim leaders to enable them to become better advocates of social transformation in the communities they lead.
He said, Muslim leaders need to engage and maximise the resources and initiatives available through government programs.

“We must work together, especially with those in key government positions, to push for community development projects that uplift our Muslim communities across the country,” Kasolo said. “As leaders, we have been working to support initiatives such as the Kampala Imams boda boda project, which is showing promising results, despite facing opposition from some individuals. Rather than resisting, we should embrace such projects as they have the potential to positively impact our Imams’ welfare,” he added.
He advised Wasajja to consider
replicating the project in Masaka. Sheikh Wasajja took over as the regional Kadhi for Masaka under the Office of the Supreme Mufti following the resignation of Sheikh Sulait Ssentongo, who served for two years in the role.
SheikhSsentongo, in his farewell address, expressed deep gratitude to the Muslim community for their support during his tenure, emphasising the importance of unity and patience in leadership.
“I owe my success to the unity and collaboration we shared,” Sheikh Ssentongo said. “I urge the new leadership, including Sheikh Wasajja, to remain patient, resilient, and always open to advice as we work together towards the future.”
Hajji Hamid Ssenoga Ndugga, Chairperson of the Masaka Muslim Council, lauded Sheikh Ssentongo for his rare and honourable decision to step down voluntarily—a move he described as a model of integrity, not often seen in Ugandan leadership circles.
As a gesture of appreciation for his service, the community presented Sheikh Ssentongo with a car, symbolizing their respect and gratitude for his two-year commitment.
In his speech, Sheikh Wasajja thanked the Muslim community in Masaka and the Office of the Supreme Mufti for entrusting him with this pivotal role.
He called for continued support from Sheikh Ssentongo and the broader Muslim community to help guide his leadership.
“I ask for your support and guidance,” Sheikh Wasajja said. “Let us work together to create a leadership that fosters the growth and development of the Muslim community in our region. My office will always be open to your ideas and insights.”
Wasajja started his career in Islamic leadership in the early 2000s after graduating from the prestigious Azhar Shariif University, in Cairo, Egypt. His first deployment was as the Imam of Mariam Mosque in Lukaya, Kalungu district.
In 2021, he was appointed caretaker district Kadhi of Masaka under the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC). After two years in the role, he defected to the Kibuli-based Office of the Supreme Mufti.