The Judiciary of Uganda is mourning the death of Hon. Justice Prof. George Wilson Kanyeihamba, a revered jurist, scholar, and statesman, who passed away on July 14, 2025, at the age of 85.
Justice Kanyeihamba leaves behind a legacy of distinguished service in the legal, academic, and political arenas. Born on August 11, 1939, in Kinaba, Kinkizi District, he rose to become one of Uganda’s most respected legal minds. He attended Kigezi High School and Busoga College Mwiri, later graduating with a Bachelor of Laws from Portsmouth University, and earning a Doctorate of Laws from the University of Warwick in the UK.
His illustrious career spanned decades, including serving as a Cabinet Minister, Member of Parliament, and Chairperson of the Legal Committee of the Constituent Assembly that drafted Uganda’s 1995 Constitution. In 1997, he was appointed Justice of the Supreme Court, where he served for 12 years with distinction. He also served as one of the inaugural judges of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Justice Kanyeihamba was not only a legal authority but a prolific author whose writings advanced discourse on constitutionalism, justice, and human rights. His celebrated works include Kanyeihamba’s Commentaries on Law, Politics and Governance (2006) and Constitutional and Political History of Uganda: From 1894 to Present (2010). He was a staunch advocate for the protection of vulnerable populations and published extensively on refugee rights and human dignity.
An academic at heart, Prof. Kanyeihamba lectured at several institutions, both locally and abroad, and served as Chancellor of Kampala International University and Kabale University. His mentorship shaped the careers of numerous legal professionals and scholars.
Throughout his life, he undertook many special assignments, including serving as Legal Adviser to the President on Human Rights and International Affairs, and as Chairperson of the Committee on Judges’ Terms and Conditions of Service.
Justice Kanyeihamba will be remembered for his fearless commitment to the independence of the judiciary, moral integrity, and principled stance on the rule of law. The Judiciary extended heartfelt condolences to his family, the legal community, academia, and all Ugandans and international friends touched by his noble life and service.
As Uganda mourns this legal giant, the Judiciary honors a life well lived in service to truth, justice, and the Constitution.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
