Mpara Town Council Speaker Bunihizi Josephat questioned over Mpara SS land dispute

4 September 2025, 09:05

By Kyalisiima Asuman

The Speaker of Mpara Town Council in Kyegegwa District, Bunihizi Aheebwa Josephat, has been accused of encroaching on Mpara Senior Secondary School land in Mpara Town Council.

The allegation was made by John Byabasaija, the Mayor of Mpara Town Council, while addressing councillors on the state of affairs during a council meeting chaired by Speaker Bunihizi at the town council headquarters on Wednesday, 3rd of this year.

During a Board of Governors meeting of Mpara SS, it was noted that Mr Bunihizi Aheebwa Josephat is still occupying part of the school’s land, according to Byabasaija’s statement.

Referring to him in a personal capacity rather than as Speaker, Byabasaija advised him to resolve the matter, arguing that it was inappropriate for a leader to be in conflict with a government institution. He further warned that the issue could be forwarded to higher authorities, including court.

This is not the first time the matter has come before the council. In May this year, it was raised and the council resolved that the Area Land Committee of Mpara Town Council, headed by Julius Natugonza, should visit the site and engage both parties to seek an amicable solution.

At Wednesday’s council meeting, Natugonza was tasked with briefing the councillors on their findings. He reported that, according to an agreement, Bunihizi had sold part of his land for the school to use as a road measuring 10 feet in width, but it was later discovered that Bunihizi had blocked the same road passing through his land.

In an interview with our reporter after the council meeting, Bunihizi admitted selling a piece of land to Mpara SS but dismissed claims that he had encroached on the same land.

Meanwhile, councillors have unanimously approved Yusufu Kagaza as Deputy Mayor of Mpara Town Council in Kyegegwa District.

The motion was presented by John Byabasaija, the Mayor of Mpara Town Council, during a council sitting on Wednesday evening chaired by Speaker Bunihizi Aheebwa Josephat at the town council headquarters.
The motion was moved by Hon. Begumya and unanimously seconded by all councillors.

Upon assuming his new position, Yusufu Kagaza, who also represents the elderly, took the oath administered by the Assistant Town Clerk of Mpara Town Council, Mr Gonzaga Mwesige.

Kagaza pledged to promote teamwork for the development of the area.

The deputy mayoral seat in Mpara Town Council fell vacant after the former Deputy Mayor, John Byabasaija, was appointed Mayor to replace Saiti Tugumusurizze, who handed over office on Tuesday, 8 April 2025, after taking up a job as administrator at Kyegegwa General Hospital.