“He was part of our external committee. We valued his input” – Museveni Hails Prof. Kanyeihamba’s ‘Liberation’ Role, Pays Tribute to Legal Giant

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today joined the nation in mourning the passing of retired Supreme Court Justice Prof. George Wilson Kanyeihamba, paying a heartfelt tribute at his Buziga, Kampala home. The President’s visit underscored the profound loss of a towering figure in Uganda’s legal and political landscape, renowned for his unwavering commitment to constitutionalism, human rights, and judicial independence.

Prof. Kanyeihamba, 85, passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Nakasero Hospital following years of recurring illness. His legacy includes significant contributions to Uganda’s legal framework, most notably his key role in drafting the 1995 Constitution. As a prominent legal scholar, his influence extended far beyond his professional roles, shaping public discourse on justice and governance.

Upon his arrival, President Museveni was received by Prof. Kanyeihamba’s widow, Susan née Randall Kanyeihamba, and their children, Joel Matsiko and Nyakwezi. The President expressed his profound sorrow over the demise of their loved one, offering condolences from himself, the National Resistance Movement (NRM), and his family, recognizing Prof. Kanyeihamba’s association with other legal luminaries close to them, such as John Kazoora.

In his heartfelt address, President Museveni lauded Prof. Kanyeihamba as a significant contributor to Uganda’s liberation, emphasizing his alignment with the NRM’s core ideology.

“Uganda and Africa at large were in a crisis, and part of the problem was the politics of identity. So when our people came, like the Rugundas, Mbabazi and others who left, we came with a different emphasis on politics of interest against the politics of identity. And Kanyeihamba joined us, and he has been part of us, all this time,” President Museveni stated. “That’s why I came to salute his contribution and let you know that we valued his input.”

The President also reminisced about his earliest encounters with the esteemed professor. “I met Kanyeihamba for the first time when we had a big debate at Makerere University. It must have been either 1969 or 1970. This debate involved Prof. Mazrui who was a reactionary and Prof. Rodney who was a revolutionary. I was part of that group, and it was a very big clash between Mazrui and Rodney. Kanyeihamba was there, he was a big lawyer and older than us. That was my first time to see him,” he narrated.

Their paths crossed again in the tumultuous period following the overthrow of Idi Amin. “I didn’t see him again until 1979 when we kicked out Idi Amin then Prof. Lule appointed him as Attorney General or what. He was with us in the cabinet for just 68 days. When we went to fight in 1981, I saw Kanyeihamba again in the UK. He was part of our external committee.”

President Museveni further revealed that upon the NRM’s ascension to power in 1986, Prof. Kanyeihamba seamlessly integrated into the new establishment. “When we came into government, he became part of us. When we expanded the NRC, he was elected in Rubanda as Member of Parliament. He later became Judge of the High Court.”

The President’s visit was attended by other notable figures who also shared glowing tributes to the late Professor, including former Prime Ministers Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda and Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi, underscoring the widespread respect and admiration Prof. Kanyeihamba commanded across the political spectrum. His passing marks the end of an era for Uganda’s judiciary and political thought.