President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has visited the home of the late Prof. George Wilson Kanyeihamba in Buziga, Kampala, to pay tribute to the distinguished jurist and statesman.
Prof. Kanyeihamba, aged 85, passed away on Monday, 14th July 2025, at Nakasero Hospital following a long battle with recurring illness.
A renowned legal scholar, Prof. Kanyeihamba was a towering figure in Uganda’s legal and political history. He was widely respected for his unwavering advocacy for constitutionalism, human rights, and the independence of the judiciary.
His legacy includes a pivotal role in shaping Uganda’s legal landscape, most notably through his contributions to the 1995 Constitution.
The President was received by Prof. Kanyeihamba’s widow, Susan née Randall Kanyeihamba, and their children, Joel Matsiko and Nyakwezi.
He extended his personal condolences and those of the NRM and his family.
In his tribute, President Museveni praised the late professor’s lifelong dedication to Uganda’s development and liberation, noting their long association.
“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—we came with a different emphasis on politics of interest, against the politics of identity,” the President said.
“And Kanyeihamba joined us, and he has been part of us, all this time. 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 recalled his first encounter with Prof. Kanyeihamba at Makerere University.
“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. 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 continued, “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.”
The President noted that Prof. Kanyeihamba continued to serve the country even after the NRM assumed power.
“When we came into government, he became part of us. When we expanded the NRC, he was elected in Rubanda as Member of Parliament. He later became Judge of the High Court.”
The President’s visit drew several dignitaries, including former Prime Ministers Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda and Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi, who also paid glowing tributes to the late legal luminary.