Former Supreme Court Judge Kanyeihamba Dies at 85

Former Supreme Court Judge, Justice George W. Kanyeihamba, has died at the age of 85.

Justice Kanyeihamba passed away today at Nakasero Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment.

A distinguished legal scholar and public servant, Kanyeihamba held several high-profile positions throughout his career. He served as a Cabinet Minister, Member of Parliament, and chaired the Legal Committee of the Constituent Assembly that drafted Uganda’s 1995 Constitution.

In 1997, he was appointed to the Supreme Court of Uganda, where he served until his retirement in November 2009. He was also elected as a Judge of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights in 2006, serving a two-year term.

Justice Kanyeihamba held a Ph.D. in Law from the University of Warwick, United Kingdom, and was a Professor of Law. Over the years, he served in various roles including Minister of Justice and Attorney General, and Senior Advisor to the President on human rights and international affairs.

He was also Chancellor of Kampala International University.

In addition to his judicial and academic roles, Kanyeihamba contributed to international legal discourse. Notably, he served as an expert in International Refugee Law during a special meeting organized by the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) from March 27 to 29, 2000. The meeting marked the 30th anniversary of the 1969 OAU Refugee Convention, which governs refugee issues across Africa.

Government officials have taken to social media to mourn his passing and condole with the family.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, mourned the late judge, describing him as “a beacon of wisdom, resilience, and patriotism.”

The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among, described Justice Kanyeihamba as “a man who dedicated his life to serving the nation through various positions.”

She joined other national leaders in mourning his passing, noting his lifelong contribution to Uganda’s legal and governance framework.

The Katikiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga also mourned the late legal titan as a courageous man who often spoke his mind.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.