Yumbe to honour late NRM registrar Mafu with school block, market

YUMBE - The Yumbe District Council has resolved to allocate resources to construct a classroom block at Eleke Primary School in Apo subcounty and a market at Kerila trading centre in memory of the late Canon Mophart Mafu, the former National Resistance Movement (NRM) registrar for Yumbe district.

The resolution was passed during a special council sitting convened on January 5, 2026, to honour the life and service of the late Mafu as mourners gathered to pay their last respects ahead of his burial later the same day at St Peter’s Church of Uganda, Eleke, in Apo subcounty.

According to medical reports read during the funeral rites by Dr William Anyandru, a senior medical clinical officer at Yumbe Regional Referral Hospital, Mafu passed away on December 31, 2025, after suffering cardiac arrest.

Why a classroom block

While presenting the motion, Apo subcounty councillor Rasul Bombasa said the late Mafu deeply valued education, having trained as a primary school teacher before joining politics.

He said Mafu made significant contributions to the education sector in the district and continued to mentor learners and support vulnerable children even after leaving classroom teaching in 2004.

"It's so shameful that we gather here to mourn an educationist and yet his home school grapples with dilapidated structures. I pray that this house pronounce itself to construct a classroom block to be named after the late," he said.

Bombasa added that constructing a classroom block at Eleke Primary School would help decongest overcrowded classrooms while inspiring future generations to value education.

The motion was seconded by Aria subcounty councillor Yassin Miria, who said Mafu was among the few individuals in the district who prioritised education and helped put Aringa on the national map academically.

Council speaker Kassim Asiku commended councillors for the proposal and directed the social services committee to harmonise the budget and present it at the next council sitting for final approval.

Yumbe district chairperson Abdulmutalib Mahamoud Asiku, who heads the district executive committee, supported the motion, announcing that funds would be allocated in the next financial year to construct a three-classroom block and a latrine at Eleke Primary School, where Mafu began his education in the 1960s.

Margret Alumu, female councillor representing older persons in the district council, and others, pay their last respects to the late Mafu. (Credit: Adam Gule)

The market

Bombasa also proposed the construction of a modern market in Apo subcounty, citing Mafu’s role as an entrepreneur who created employment opportunities through Blessed Bee for Life Limited, a honey processing factory in Yumbe district.

He said the late Mafu offered free advice and mentorship to many residents interested in business.

The district chairperson revealed that the district had received an offer from the World Bank under the Koboko Yumbe Moyo road project to construct a modern market as part of corporate social responsibility.

He said the market would be constructed at Kerila trading centre in Apo subcounty to honour Mafu’s legacy.

Eulogies

Midigo town councillor Rasul Aluma, a former NRM district chairperson, described Mafu as a hardworking cadre who dedicated his life to transforming Yumbe district.

NRM district chairperson Majid Aniku said Yumbe had lost a pillar, an icon and a hero who served with integrity, honesty and passion.

The Woman Member of Parliament for Yumbe district, Avako Melisha Naima Gule, commended the district council for honouring Mafu, saying he had been more than a leader to the people of the district.

NRM commissioner Zaitun Driwaru described Mafu as a principled individual who feared God and said his generosity helped shield him from attacks during his service overseeing elections in the district.

About Mafu

Mafu was born on October 12, 1948, to the late Noah Viga and Naomi Andru. He served in the Uganda Air Force during the Idi Amin regime and later joined the Uganda National Rescue Front in 1980 under Gen. (rtd) Moses Ali.

He also worked with several non-governmental organisations, including the German Medical Team, AMREF Juba, GTZ and UN SRPY. He later joined the teaching profession at Eleke Primary School before transferring to Kuru Primary School, resigning in 2004 to join politics.

Mafu also worked with Here is Life, a church-based organisation under the Church of Uganda, and later served as Yumbe district NRM registrar from 2004 until his death.