Wasajja Kiruuta takes over as Masaka Kadhi
By Hashim Kalungi
Sheikh Badru Wasajja Kiruuta, the former Masaka district Kadhi under the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) structure, is set to take on a new role as the Greater Masaka regional Khadi under the Kibuli-based Office of the Supreme Mufti. This development comes after Sheikh Sulait Ssentongo, the outgoing Kadhi, officially handed over the reins to the district’s Muslim leadership, marking the end of his term.
Preparations were underway yesterday evening for Sheikh Badru Wasajja Kiruta to officially take office as the new Kadhi of Masaka on January 3, 2025. According to a source at Masaka Main Masjid, Wasajja will be unveiled to the Muslim community after today’s Jumu’ah prayers.
Wasajja’s journey to this position began in June last year when he left the Old Kampala side to join Kibuli, following a series of meetings with the Supreme Mufti, Sheikh Muhammad Shaban Galabuzi. This move was soon followed by Ssentongo’s resignation from the position on health grounds. However, in a surprising turn of events, Ssentongo attempted to backtrack, but his efforts fell flat. The Kibuli-allied Muslim district council allowed him to hold office till December 2024.
Ssentongo’s last day in office was December 31, 2024, when he handed over to Hajji Hamid Ssenoga Ndugga, the chairman of the Muslim district council, having served in the position for 26 months.
Reflecting on his tenure, Sheikh Ssentongo shared that his leadership had achieved several milestones, particularly in improving the welfare of orphans and widows in the district.
He also highlighted his efforts to strengthen the relationship between the Masaka Muslim community and Al-Azhar University in Egypt. During his tenure, many Muslim students from the region and beyond benefitted from scholarships provided by the university.
“With my deep passion for orphans and the strong ties I have built with the leadership of Al-Azhar University, I will continue my work with both institutions under the office of the district Kadhi to ensure continued progress,” Ssentongo added.
Hajji Ssenoga praised Sheikh Ssentongo’s exemplary leadership, stating that the Muslim community would greatly miss his guidance. He also announced that the Muslim District Council would present a special gift to Sheikh Ssentongo on Friday to express their gratitude for his outstanding service during his tenure.
“You have made history by stepping down voluntarily while still capable of leading, which is rare. Many would hold on to their positions, but you chose to leave gracefully, and we have prepared something special for you as you depart,” said Hajji Ssenoga.
Sheikh Hamid Mbazira, the second deputy Kadhi, also expressed appreciation, noting that Sheikh Ssentongo had helped him develop his leadership skills and was always open to the council’s advice when needed.
Sheikh Sulait Ssentongo took office in October 2022, succeeding the late Sheikh Swaibu Ndugga, whom he had previously deputised.
He was a member of the UMSC General Assembly, representing Mawogola. In 2008, he, along with other UMSC leaders, opposed Sheikh Shaban Mubaje’s leadership as Mufti over allegations of mismanaging Muslim properties.
This opposition led to a parallel administration at Kibuli, where Ssentongo took on key roles, including deputy and district Kadhi for Masaka.
