The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, has commended the former Supreme Court Judge, George Kanyeihamba, for laying a foundational stone in Uganda’s Judiciary and politics.
Kanyeihamba served as a Supreme Court Judge from 1997 to 2009. Highlighting the judgments and written works of Kanyeihamba, Tayebwa expressed gratitude for choosing to celebrate the 84-year-old judge while he is still alive.
“I am pleased to be here for Prof Kanyeihamba because of the indirect and direct impact you have had on me to grow both academically and politically. When I visited the Supreme Court, he gave me a box of books that can guide any individual,” said Tayebwa during the thanksgiving service at Namirembe Cathedral on December 31, 2023.
The service, led by the former Bishop of Namirembe Cathedral, Wilberforce Luwalira, was organized by Kanyeihamba’s family and friends, including the former Prime Minister, Ruhakana Rugunda.
Tayebwa acknowledged Kanyeihamba’s landmark judgments, providing a clear understanding of Uganda’s legal system. “We celebrate him for giving us the foundation on which we can settle our issues amicably,” Tayebwa said, referring to the Tinyefuza case.
The Deputy Speaker praised Kanyeihamba’s significant contribution to the study and practice of law at the Supreme Court. “While I was at Makerere Law School, you could not pass constitutional law without quoting Kanyeihamba; you could not pass administrative law or commercial law without referring to his work,” noted Tayebwa.
Kanyeihamba expressed gratitude to his family, doctors, and God for preserving his life during a prolonged illness that has affected his mobility.
“I want to particularly thank the doctors and the nurses who have been very helpful to me; without their assistance, I would have gone long ago to the eventual place where Christians go after this life,” said Kanyeihamba.
Rugunda praised Kanyeihamba for leading the initial efforts in drafting the 1985 Constitution of Uganda while chairing the Legal Committee of the Constituent Assembly.
“When he became a member of the Constituent Assembly, Kanyeihamba’s credentials were so eloquent that he was made the chairman of the drafting committee of the constitution that has since guided the country,” Rugunda remarked.
Rugunda also highlighted Kanyeihamba’s role in founding Kabale University, a community university later handed over to the government. “We thank him for supporting such a community university,” said Rugunda.
Bishop Luwalira, in his sermon, emphasized the value of thanksgiving as a remedy for anxiety and stress. “We are gathered to thank God for Prof Kanyeihamba and his family; the attitude of thanksgiving moves our focus from all that troubles us, replacing anxiety with peace,” said Luwalira.
