Uganda is mourning the loss of one of its greatest legal minds and most respected public figures, Justice Professor George William Kanyeihamba. He passed away early Monday morning at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala after a long illness. He was 86 years old. His death marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Uganda’s legal and political history.
Born in 1939, Kanyeihamba came from a humble background but went on to become a Supreme Court judge, professor, author, and one of Uganda’s strongest voices for democracy and human rights. He studied law in the United Kingdom, earning his Ph.D. from the University of Warwick. But instead of staying abroad, he returned home to help shape Uganda’s legal future.
He played a key role in writing Uganda’s 1995 Constitution, which many say is the most inclusive and progressive in the country’s history. As chairman of the Legal Committee in the Constituent Assembly, his leadership helped guide the nation through a critical time of rebuilding.
In 1997, Kanyeihamba was appointed to the Supreme Court of Uganda. He served on the bench until his retirement in 2009. He will always be remembered for his brave dissent in the 2006 presidential election petition. While most judges upheld President Museveni’s controversial re-election, Kanyeihamba boldly disagreed, saying the election had too many irregularities to be accepted. His courage in speaking the truth—even when it was unpopular—made him a symbol of justice and integrity.
Even after leaving the bench, Kanyeihamba remained a powerful voice. He often spoke out against government actions that threatened the independence of the courts. One such moment came when armed security forces stormed the High Court to re-arrest suspects who had been released on bail. Kanyeihamba called the act a “brazen assault on judicial independence.”
He was not just a judge but also a teacher, mentor, and writer. He taught at many universities and wrote several books, including his famous title, “Constitutional and Political History of Uganda from 1894 to Present.” His writings and lectures helped guide generations of young lawyers and judges. In 2008, his former university, the University of Warwick, awarded him an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in recognition of his work for justice in Africa.
In recent months, Justice Kanyeihamba had been in and out of the hospital. His health worsened last week, and he was admitted to Nakasero Hospital, where he passed away peacefully.
News of his death has touched many Ugandans. From judges and lawyers to students and political leaders, tributes have poured in. One of his former law clerks wrote, “He stood for truth when it was dangerous to do so.” A senior judge called him “a man of principle, intellect, and fearless integrity.”
Though he is no longer with us, Justice Kanyeihamba’s influence will be felt for many years. His fearless judgments, strong values, and deep belief in the rule of law have left a powerful legacy. Uganda has lost a true giant, but his work and ideas will continue to shape the country’s future.
Rest in peace, Justice Kanyeihamba. Your robe may be hung up, but your truth will live forever.
