President Museveni Pays Tribute to the Late Prof. George Kanyeihamba

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Wednesday paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Prof. George Wilson Kanyeihamba, joining the family of the retired Supreme Court Judge at their residence in Buziga, Kampala.

Prof. Kanyeihamba, 85, passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Nakasero Hospital following years of recurring illness. He was a renowned legal scholar, human rights advocate, and a towering figure in Uganda’s legal and political landscape. His contributions significantly shaped the country’s legal framework, including playing a pivotal role in drafting the 1995 Constitution.

President Museveni was received by Prof. Kanyeihamba’s widow, Susan (née Randall) Kanyeihamba, and their children, Joel Matsiko and Nyakwezi, as he expressed his condolences over the family’s loss.

In his address, the President described Prof. Kanyeihamba as a long-time associate and contributor to Uganda’s liberation struggle and democratic development.

“Uganda and Africa at large were in a crisis, and part of the problem was the politics of identity. When people like the Rugundas, Mbabazi, and others joined us, we emphasized the politics of interest over identity. Kanyeihamba joined us and has been part of that journey all along,” President Museveni said.

“That’s why I came to salute his contribution and let you know that we valued his input. On behalf of the NRM and my family, I extend our condolences. He was also an associate of our relatives in the legal fraternity, like John Kazoora.”

The President recalled first meeting Prof. Kanyeihamba during a high-profile debate at Makerere University in either 1969 or 1970, which featured the late Prof. Walter Rodney and Prof. Ali Mazrui.

“It was a big clash between Mazrui, who was a reactionary, and Rodney, who was a revolutionary. Kanyeihamba was already a prominent lawyer, older than us, and present at the debate. That was the first time I saw him,” he narrated.

He further recounted seeing him again in 1979, after the fall of Idi Amin, when Prof. Yusuf Lule appointed Kanyeihamba to a cabinet post.

“He was with us in the cabinet for just 68 days. Then in 1981, when we went to fight, I saw Kanyeihamba again in the UK—he was part of our external committee,” the President said.

Upon the NRM’s rise to power, Prof. Kanyeihamba joined the government, eventually serving as Member of Parliament for Rubanda in the expanded National Resistance Council (NRC), and later as a Judge of the High Court.

The President’s visit was attended by several dignitaries, including former Prime Ministers Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda and Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi, who also paid glowing tributes to the late professor.