Kanyeihamba eulogised as mentor, beacon of wisdom

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Glowing tributes have been paid to the life and work of retired Supreme Court Judge Prof. George Kanyeihamba, following his death on Monday, July 14, 2025.

Kanyeihamba, who was a luminary in the legal profession, died of an undisclosed illness while receiving treatment at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala.

Speaker of Parliament Anita Among said Kanyeihamba, 85, dedicated his life to serving the nation through various Cabinet positions, his role on the Bench, and his legal practice.

“May the good Lord provide comfort to all those who are grieving and grant his soul eternal rest,” she prayed in a message posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa described the former professor of law as a towering figure in Uganda’s legal and academic landscape.

“My wife and I joined him and his family for a Thanksgiving celebration at Namirembe Cathedral in 2023, a moment that vividly returned to me upon hearing of his death,” he said on X.

Tayebwa also stated that Prof Kanyeihamba was a beacon of wisdom, resilience, and patriotism.

“His unwavering dedication to justice, nation-building, and mentorship left an indelible mark on Uganda. As an esteemed author, a revered retired Supreme Court Judge, a former Cabinet Minister, and Member of Parliament, his contributions were immeasurable and his legacy eternal,” he said.

Tayebwa noted that through his writings, legislative influence and decades of teaching, Prof Kanyeihamba fundamentally shaped Uganda’s legal system and jurisprudence.

“His landmark judgments will continue to guide generations of legal minds and serve as a testament to his brilliance and unwavering commitment to justice. I am profoundly grateful for the inspiration and guidance he offered me, both academically and politically,” he said.

He also said Kanyeihamba’s wisdom and example deeply enriched his journey in public service.

“Uganda has lost one of its greatest minds, and we mourn this monumental loss. I extend my deepest condolences to Professor Kanyeihamba's family, his friends, and all Ugandans who cherished and admired him,” he added.

The 1st Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Kadaga, also took to X and said they celebrate the life, achievements and contributions of a legal luminary.

Buganda Kingdom premier Charles Peter Mayiga said as an academic, a political actor, minister, judge and private citizen, Prof Kanyeihamba never wavered from his ideals.

“He had the courage to say what he knew to be right or what he felt to be wrong. He was passionate about the rule of law and unity of Ugandans. He was a proud son of Kigezi, who referred to himself as a dedicated subject of the Kabaka of Buganda,” he said.

More about Kanyeihamba

Prof Kanyeihamba held a PhD in Law from the University of Warwick, UK.  He was a Member of Parliament, a Cabinet Minister, Minister of Justice and Attorney-General.

He was also a senior advisor to the President on all aspects of governmental policy and actions in human rights and international affairs.

He served as a Judge of the Supreme Court from 1997 to 2009. He also served as the Judge of the African Court in 2006 for a two-year term. Kanyeihamba also served as the Chancellor of Kampala International University.

In addition, he served as an expert in International Refugee Law at the Special Meeting of Government and Non-Government Experts of the Organisation of African Unity and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.