By Isaac Akugizibwe

KIU Main,Campus — Geoffrey Thembo Kimbethe, a former Member of the Guild Union Parliament at Kampala International University (KIU), is beginning his journey toward national leadership as he prepares to contest the Bughendera Constituency seat in Uganda’s 2026–2031 general elections.

Bughendera is one of the counties in Bundibugyo District, Western Uganda. Thembo says he is aiming not only to improve service delivery in his home region but also to become a national voice for arts teachers, who he believes are underrepresented in government policy.

"Most teachers have not been considered by the government, especially those in Arts. I believe that both the science and arts teachers have an equal contribution to this nation," he says.

Currently, the Ugandan government is paying science teachers higher salaries than their arts counterparts, under the belief that science subjects contribute more to national development—something Thembo and many others are strongly contesting.

"You can not have a complete student without a combination of Arts and Sciences. Therefore, both deserve equal treatment," he argues.

Thembo says he is campaigning on a platform of fairness and education equity, with the goal of correcting what he sees as systemic imbalances.

"I would like to advocate for equal remuneration of both Arts and Science teachers in Uganda. The best possible platform for this is Parliament, that’s why I’m running for MP, Bughendera Constituency," he explains.

He says he feels that now is the right time to act—for his community and for the teaching profession—adding that waiting for change is no longer an option.

"They have always told us that we the youth are the leaders of tomorrow, but they don’t tell us when tomorrow shall come."

While studying at KIU, Thembo has served in various leadership roles that he says are preparing him for national responsibilities. He is currently finalizing a degree in Arts in English and Literature after joining Uganda’s leading private university in January 2023.

In 2024–2025, he served as a Member of Parliament in the KIU Guild Union representing the College of Education and Distance Learning. He also serves as president of the university’s Debate Union. He says these roles have boosted his confidence and sharpened his leadership abilities.

"If I can lead students who come from different places, speak different languages, how about people with whom we speak the same language?" he boasts.

"Generally I am born a leader and can lead," he adds.

Who Is Geoffrey Thembo?

Born on July 16, 1999, to the late Yeremiya Mbalibulha and Ithungu Lakeri, Thembo began his education at Ntandi SDA Integrated Primary School. He later attends Three Angels High School for O’Level and completed high school at Kilembe Secondary School.

While at Kilembe SS, he served on the board of governors and previously served as head prefect at Three Angels High School, Ntandi. These early leadership roles, he says, lay the foundation for his political ambitions.

Thembo says he believes in action, service beyond self, and justice. His key role models include Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (also known as Bobi Wine), Pan-African scholar Prof. PLO Lumumba, and revolutionary leader Thomas Sankara.