Masaka leaders urge peace and unity ahead of political season

By Hashim Kalungi

As Uganda’s political horizon darkens with anticipation, Masaka’s Muslim community received a resonant plea for tranquility from their spiritual guide.

Regional Khadhi Sheikh Badru Wasajja Kiruta, a voice aligned with Kibuli’s religious leadership, stood before worshippers at Masaka Main Mosque during Idd-ul-Adhuha prayers.

With the weight of history behind his words, Sheikh Kiruta urged his congregation not to retreat from politics but to engage with eyes wide open.

“Participate in politics fully but be careful and avoid anything that may put you in trouble and the Muslim community as a whole,” Sheikh Kiruta said.

“We have suffered enough as Muslims; we don’t want to see you among people that will be arrested over trumped up charges,” he added.

Alongside the call for political caution, leaders emphasized community unity and development.

Masaka Muslim District Amir, Sheikh Abdullah Mutazindwa from the Jamuiyat Da’awah Tablighi Assalafiyya Association, urged Muslims to work together to support local projects.

Sheikh Mutazindwa announced a major fundraising drive for the second phase of the Ummah House Masaka complex. This phase will include a mosque and a business center. The goal is to raise over Shs 300 million.

He explained the first step: “In the first phase of the drive expected to start early in 2026 and end in 2027, we are looking at over 150 Muslims each contributing at least Shs 1.5 million.”

He expressed strong belief in the community’s ability, noting

“We have the capacity to achieve much when we unite, we are looking at raising 200 million shillings for the next phase of our building… I am hopeful that by the end of 2026 we shall have that money and we will resume the construction works in 2027 inshaAllah.”

Sheikh Mutazindwa also thanked Masaka City leaders for allowing a joint Eid prayer at the golf course grounds. This large gathering brought together Muslims from Jamuiyat mosques across the city and district.

Masaka Brigadier Commander General Deus Sunday, in a message read by Col. Charles Lubega, thanked Muslims for supporting development projects and promised help for the medical center being built at Masaka Main Mosque.

The contribution includes 50 bags of cement, two trucks of sand, and one million shillings in cash.

Despite rain interrupting the Eid prayers, the event was well-attended by many Muslims from the region.