KAMPALA, Uganda — Retired Supreme Court Justice Prof. George Wilson Kanyeihamba, a towering figure in Uganda’s legal and political landscape, is being widely hailed as a patriot and a dedicated champion of the rule of law, good governance, and constitutionalism following his passing. Tributes from across the political spectrum and the legal fraternity poured in, celebrating his profound impact on the nation.
Prof. Kanyeihamba, born on Aug. 11, 1939, was a key architect of Uganda’s 1995 Constitution, notably serving as Chair of the Legal Committee of the Constituent Assembly that drafted the landmark document. His distinguished career also included service on the Supreme Court and senior positions in President Yoweri Museveni’s government, though he later became one of the veteran leader’s outspoken critics, particularly on matters of constitutionalism.
Across the Political Divide, Praise for a Legal Giant
Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, expressed her condolences, noting Prof. Kanyeihamba’s extensive service. “Professor Kanyeihamba dedicated his life to serving the nation through various cabinet positions, his role on the bench, and his legal practice,” Among stated on behalf of Parliament.
Robert Kyagulanyi, leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), lamented the loss of “a late, great pillar of constitutionalism in Uganda and Africa.”
Rubaga North Member of Parliament, Abubaker Kawalya, remembered him as “a gallant statesman” who “dedicated most of his pension age to advocate for constitutional reforms in Uganda.” Kawalya added that Kanyeihamba “will always be remembered for his outspokenness on issues of constitutionalism and good governance.”
First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga honored his legacy, tweeting, “We celebrate the life, achievements, and contributions of a legal Luminary, Prof George Kanyeihamba.”
Winnie Kiiza, former Leader of Opposition, lauded him as “a true champion of democracy and human rights in Uganda,” emphasizing that “With unwavering dedication, he breathed life into the Constitution, making it a shield for the weak.”
From the ruling party, Emmanuel Dombo, spokesperson for the National Resistance Movement (NRM), acknowledged Kanyeihamba’s extensive contributions. “We have learnt of the sad news about the death of Justice George Kanyeihamba. While he lived, he served Uganda with dexterity, authored many books, and believed in civilized political discourse…RIP, patriot,” Dombo said.
The current Leader of Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, recounted personal anecdotes, recalling how Prof. Kanyeihamba would share stories, particularly about the challenges he navigated after he and two other Supreme Court justices ruled to annul the 2006 presidential election due to rigging and bribery allegations.
Swaib Kaggwa, spokesperson for the Justice Forum (JEEMA), honored Kanyeihamba’s “remarkable contributions to promoting transparency, accountability, human rights, and democracy,” adding that “His enduring legacy will continue to inspire us and more generations to come.”
A “Forest of Wisdom,” “River Nile of Legal Scholarship”
Lawyer Eron Kiiza offered a poetic and extensive tribute, describing Kanyeihamba as a “phenomenal jurist” and “a forest of wisdom” from the hills of Kigezi. Kiiza’s poignant words depicted Kanyeihamba as a “museum” of Ugandan politics, constitutionalism, and history, whose books serve as “canopies spreading over universities, homes and libraries.”
Kiiza further praised Kanyeihamba as “an incredible gem who used the spears of wit and humour to battle dictatorship here and racism in Britain.” He likened the late judge to “a legal mountain” and “a fortress of judicial independence,” whose “overflowing and ever flowing brilliance and loyalty to rule of law parallel the permanence of the Amazon.”
The lawyer characterized Kanyeihamba as “the river Nile of legal scholarship,” whose “fearless dissent…is served on plates of humour seasoned with patriotism,” drawing parallels to Lord Denning’s influential dissenting judgments. Kiiza concluded by calling him an “indefatigable volcano! Always erupting against impunity” and whose “Solomonic brain defies age.”
His Worship Julius Mutabazi, the Principal Chief Magistrate of Kabale, also hailed Prof. Kanyeihamba as a steadfast pillar of constitutionalism and the rule of law, underscoring his enduring influence on the Ugandan legal system.
