Ssali confessed to have been hired by someone with two other people to execute the deal at a cost of Shs 10 million.
He told court that he realised that what he had done was a very bad act and regrets why he accepted to be used.
The convict pleaded guilty saying that people who had hired him to end the life of the Nyamityobora ward Councillor Amos Katureebe were now after his life accusing him of failing to ensure that councillor was dead.
Ssali prayed for a light sentence and also asked to be detained in a prison facility outside Mbarara saying that some people were after his life.
The trial magistrate, however, had no kind words for Ssali saying that the sentence should serve as a deterrent to those planning such attacks in future.
Katureebe was attacked with acid leaving him severely burnt. The incident took place at time when Mbarara Municipal Council was grappling with concerns of land grabbing.
Katureebe briefly received treatment at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital before being referred to Mulago National Referral Hospital for further management.
The victim has since then lost his ability to talk or walk.