On December 9, 2024, Tushemerirwe John Kapimpi, a renowned journalist and councillor representing the people of Kicuzi Subcounty in the Ibanda District Council, officially announced his bid for the LC5 Chairman seat for the 2026-2031 term.

The news did not sit well with the current LC5 Chairman, Mr. Happy Herbert Mayanja. Through several confidants, he expressed his dismay at Kapimpi, whom he had entrusted with an executive committee position, now vying for his “sweet” political seat. Kapimpi currently serves as the Secretary for Finance in the Ibanda District Council.

Happy Mayanja

Barely a week after Kapimpi’s declaration, insiders reveal that Mr. Mayanja is planning a cabinet reshuffle. This move is reportedly less about improving service delivery in the district and more about removing Kapimpi from the cabinet.

With the forthcoming District Council meeting scheduled for Friday, December 20, 2024, sources indicate that Mr. Tabaro, the District Councillor representing Rushango Town Council, and a key advocate of the “Sole Candidate Project” to retain the current LC5 Chairman, is poised to be rewarded with a cabinet seat.

Meanwhile, Kapimpi’s declaration has been warmly welcomed by the people of Ibanda District, who are increasingly disillusioned with Mr. Mayanja’s leadership. Many see it as a mere continuation of the leadership style established under former Chairman Kajwengye Melichiadis. Mr. Mayanja, who has held leadership roles in Ibanda District for nearly 15 years, served as District Speaker for a decade before succeeding Kajwengye as LC5 Chairman in 2021, running unopposed.

As the 2026 elections approach, the people of Ibanda District are vowing to bring about ultimate and unconditional change, breaking away from what they perceive as a stagnant leadership legacy that has persisted since Ibanda gained district status from Greater Mbarara in 2005.