By Isaac Akugizibwe

KIU,Main Campus- After what he described as a successful term as Prime Minister of the Kampala Internation University (KIU) Main Campus Guild Union, Gilbert Ayebazibwe is now setting his sights on national politics, aiming to use the leadership skills he gained at the university to serve Ugandan youth on a broader stage.

Ayebazibwe, who recently left office, said he dreams of becoming a prominent leader in Uganda, and that the journey begins with representing young people in his home district of Rukungiri.

"My focus is on advancing my political career into national politics, and I have been building towards that,” he said. “The skills I am gaining along the way, including the ones I got from the Guild office as Prime Minister, will play a big role."

"I want to start by representing the youth, specifically those in my home district, Rukungiri. I will contest as Youth Leader in Rukungiri Municipality in 2026," he added.

Ayebazibwe said he plans to build on that role and run for a seat in Uganda’s national Parliament in 2031, where he hopes to represent Rukungiri Municipality.

When asked about his motivation, Ayebazibwe credited his father, a professional teacher, for instilling in him a sense of leadership and ambition.

"I grew up listening to my father saying being a leader is to challenge and to stand to be challenged as well as doing the impossible," he said.

Ayebazibwe emphasized that he strives to lead by example, a principle that influenced his involvement in university politics.

As the former leader of government business in the Guild Union Parliament, Ayebazibwe said he is proud of his team’s achievements, attributing their success to teamwork and a focus on students' needs.

"We pushed for the Bazaar to come back, subscription to the Uganda National Students Association (UNSA), had two sports galas one for the inter-faculties and one for inter-campus and a cultural gala," he said.

"We had taken nine years out of UNSA, but now both KIU Main and Western campuses are back on board."

Ayebazibwe also mentioned improvements in campus connectivity and infrastructure.

"We requested for Wi-Fi and were given access under Speed X. We are leaving the university at about 5,000 Mbps, with almost all students registered," he said.

He added that the 20th Guild Union government played a key role in the construction of a new, state-of-the-art gate at the Main Campus.

"Our Minister of Health and MP from the College of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Hon. Jepesa Arukol Tarep, requested for that gate," Ayebazibwe disclosed.

Other accomplishments he cited included narrowing the gap between students and university administration, acquiring a new guild van, and organizing a successful cultural gala.

While many student leaders struggle to balance academics and politics, Ayebazibwe said he managed both effectively.

"My CGPA even improved from what I had before becoming a leader. It's about knowing the priorities and doing everything at its appropriate time," he said.

Who Is Gilbert Ayebazibwe?

Gilbert Ayebazibwe is the second-born child of Mr. and Mrs. Karenzi Julius of Kaaro-Kanyanku, Kitimba, in Rukungiri Municipality.

He joined Kampala International University (KIU) in August 2021 to pursue a Bachelor of Laws and is currently sitting for his final semester exams.

Ayebazibwe began his education at St. Mary’s Nursery and Primary School in Rukungiri, where he served as health prefect. He then joined Makobore Boys High School for O-Level studies, where he served as entertainment prefect. For A-Level, he attended Cornerstone High School.

Before being appointed Prime Minister of the KIU Guild Union by Guild President Yvonne Keinembazi, Ayebazibwe served as the clerk to the Guild Union Parliament.