Museveni salutes deceased Supreme Court judge Kanyeihamba

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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has joined the family of the Late. Prof. George Wilson Kanyeihamba to pay tribute to the retired Supreme Court Judge in Buziga, Kampala.

Prof. Kanyeihamba, 85, died on July 14, 2025, at Nakasero Hospital after years of recurring illness.

President Museveni consols Mrs Kanyeihamba, her children and grand children when he visited their home in Buziga to pay condolence to the late Justice George Kanyeihamba on Wednesday. (PPU Photo)

He was a prominent legal scholar and a towering figure in Uganda’s legal and political landscape, renowned for his advocacy for constitutionalism, human rights, and judicial independence. His lasting contributions significantly influenced Uganda's legal framework, including a key role in drafting the 1995 Constitution.

Kanyeihamba’s widow, Susan née Randall Kanyeihamba, along with their children, Joel Matsiko and Nyakwezi, received the President as he expressed his sorrow over the passing of their loved one.

In his heartfelt address, President Museveni on July 23, expressed gratitude for having associated with Prof. Kanyeihamba when he was still alive, describing him as a contributor to Uganda’s liberation.

Mrs Kanyeihamba addressing mourners at her home in Buziga on Wednesday. (PPU Photo)

“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,” he said.

“That's why I came to salute his contribution and let you know that we valued his input. So, I want to extend our condolences from the NRM and my family because he was also an associate of our other relatives who are lawyers like John Kazoora.”

President Museveni also reminisced about the first time he met Prof. Kanyeihamba.

President Museveni poses for a photo with Mrs Kanyeihamba and her family members when he visited their home in Buziga to pay condolence to the late Justice George Kanyeihamba on Wednesday. (PPU Photo)

“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. [Ali] 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.

“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 when the NRM came into power, Kanyeihamba joined the establishment.

Former Prime Ministers Ruhakana Rugunda (L) and Amama Mbabazi (C) at the late Justice George Kanyeihamba's home in Buziga, Kampala. (PPU Photo)

“When we came into government, he became part of us. When we expanded the NRC, he was elected in Rubanda as a Member of Parliament. He later became Judge of the High Court.”

The President’s visit was attended by notable figures, including former Prime Ministers Ruhakana Rugunda and Amama Mbabazi, who also shared glowing tributes to the late Professor.

Find more details of Museveni's engagement with the late Kanyeihamba family in New Vision print edition for July 24, 2025.