UMSC shocked but not surprised by Kiruuta’s defection

by Hisham Kalungi 

Reeling from Tuesday’s defection of Sheikh Badru Wasajja Kiruuta to Kibuli, Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) is expected to begin the process to find his replacement.

Wasajja’s unexpected defection created a leadership vacuum that the Muslim body at Old Kampala has to urgently address.

But it is not likely to be an easy task, especially in an area where the odds favour the Kibuli-based Muslim leadership faction.

“That [switching sides] is not uncommon in Masaka,” UMSC spokesman Ashraf Zziwa Muvawala said of Wasajja’s switch of allegiance, adding that Masaka is home to a generation of “confused leaders” who think they can challenge UMSC’s authority.

Wasajja’s defection to Kibuli is therefore not surprising, Muvawala told The Friday Call on Wednesday.

He added that the UMSC had started the process of finding a suitable replacement.

“UMSC has a well-structured system for selecting leaders, and we will use this process to find a qualified and educated individual to fill the vacant position,” he said.

He urged the Masaka Muslim community to remain calm as the UMSC leadership works to find a new Kadhi.

Wasajja’s defection has elicited mixed feelings within the Muslim community in Masaka, with some welcoming it and others viewing it as a self-motivated move.