Uganda Law Society President Isaac Ssemakadde described Kanyeihamba as “a colossus of the 1995 Constitution” whose unwavering belief in the independence of the judiciary and rule of law continues to inspire.
Kampala, Uganda: Tributes are pouring in following the passing of retired Justice Prof. George Wilson Kanyeihamba, the celebrated former Supreme Court Judge and constitutional law scholar, whose judicial service and lifelong commitment to justice helped shape Uganda’s legal landscape.
Justice Kanyeihamba, who served on the Supreme Court bench from 1997 to 2009, is remembered as a fearless defender of the rule of law, a mentor to generations of legal practitioners, and a towering voice in the fight for constitutionalism, human rights, and social justice.
Throughout his judicial career, Prof Kanyeihamba presided over numerous landmark cases that entrenched the principles of human dignity, constitutional governance, and the protection of fundamental freedoms.
His legal scholarship and judgments remain key reference points in Uganda’s jurisprudence to this day.
Beyond the courtroom, Justice Kanyeihamba was revered as a constitutional elder statesman and an outspoken critic of abuses of power, whose academic contributions through lectures, writings, and mentorship nurtured a generation of lawyers and judicial officers committed to upholding the highest standards of ethics and integrity in public service.
Kanyeihamba’s death, pronounced by family on Monday, July 14, attributed to natural causes, has triggered an outpouring of grief from across Uganda’s legal fraternity, academia, and public life.
Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Anita Among posted via her official X handle, eulogizing the late Kanyeihamba as a dedicated servant whose remarkable contributions and role on the bench will forever standou.
“On behalf of Parliament of Uganda and myself, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and relatives of Professor George Kanyeihamba following his passing. Professor Kanyeihamba dedicated his life to serving the nation through various cabinet positions, his role on the bench, and his legal practice. May the good Lord provide comfort to all those who are grieving and grant his soul eternal rest,” Hon Among posted.
Among’s deputy, Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa also mourned the former Supreme Court Justice saying; “It is with deep sorrow that I learned of the passing of Professor George Kanyeihamba, a towering figure in Uganda’s legal and academic landscape. My wife and I joined him and his family for a Thanksgiving celebration at Namirembe Cathedral in 2023, a moment that vividly returned to me upon hearing of his death.”
“Professor Kanyeihamba was a beacon of wisdom, resilience, and patriotism. His unwavering dedication to justice, nation-building, and mentorship left an indelible mark on Uganda. As an esteemed author, a revered retired Supreme Court Judge, a former Cabinet Minister, and Member of Parliament, his contributions were immeasurable and his legacy eternal.”
On behalf of the legal fraternity, Uganda Law Society President, Isaac Ssemakadde, described Kanyeihamba as “a colossus of the 1995 Constitution” whose unwavering belief in the independence of the judiciary and rule of law continues to inspire.
“His legacy will continue to inspire generations of lawyers and judges. Let’s honour his memory by upholding the principles of truth and justice he relentlessly championed,” said Ssemakadde.
Prominent legal minds, law students, and former colleagues have also flooded social media with tributes, recounting Kanyeihamba’s wisdom, his wit, and his passion for fairness.
Throughout his public life, Kanyeihamba remained a firm believer that the courts should serve as the final bastion of justice for ordinary Ugandans, often warning against political interference in the judicial process.
Legacy Beyond the Bench
Justice Kanyeihamba’s influence extended far beyond Uganda’s borders, with his works cited in academic institutions globally. His publications on constitutional law, democracy, and governance continue to shape legal debates in Africa and beyond.
He remained vocal in retirement, championing good governance, human rights, and ethical leadership until his final days.
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