President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has paid tribute to the late Professor George Kanyeihamba, describing him as a distinguished scholar, public servant, and patriot who made an indelible contribution to Uganda’s legal, political, and academic history.
In a heartfelt message shared on Sunday, President Museveni recounted his earliest memories of the late Professor Kanyeihamba, tracing their acquaintance back to the historic 1970s debate between Prof. Ali Mazrui and Dr. Walter Rodney at Makerere University — a seminal intellectual exchange on the continent’s post-colonial future.
“I remember first meeting Professor Kanyeihamba, I think, at the historic debate between Prof. Mazrui and Dr. Rodney at Makerere University. This is when Prof. Mazrui said he was not in ‘conflict’ with Dr. Rodney, whereupon Rodney said they cannot be in ‘conflict’ because they were not even in ‘touch’,” Museveni recalled. “Rodney meant that Mazrui was talking about neo-colonialism while he was talking about real independence.”
Museveni said his next significant interaction with Kanyeihamba came during the 1981-1986 liberation struggle, when the late professor served as part of the external committee supporting the National Resistance Army (NRA) efforts abroad. Following the NRA’s victory and the establishment of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government, Kanyeihamba went on to serve Uganda in various high-profile roles.
“After liberation, he became part of the NRM Government as a minister and, at one time, he represented Rubaanda. Later on, he became a Judge,” the President noted.
Museveni saluted Prof. Kanyeihamba’s decades of service, acknowledging his contributions to the legal fraternity, governance, and the broader struggle for Uganda’s progress.
“I salute his contribution to Uganda and to the NRM over the years. Condolences to his family and friends. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” President Museveni said.
Prof. Kanyeihamba, a renowned constitutional lawyer, former Supreme Court judge, and cabinet minister, was a respected voice in Uganda’s legal circles and academia. He will be remembered for his sharp intellect, legal scholarship, and courage to speak his mind on matters of principle and justice.