The Judiciary of Uganda has expressed deep sorrow following the passing of Hon. Justice Prof. George Wilson Kanyeihamba, who died on Monday at the age of 85.
In a tribute released on Tuesday, the Judiciary described the former Supreme Court judge as a learned brother, a friend, and a towering figure whose life and work left an indelible mark on Uganda’s legal system, Africa’s human rights landscape, and the academic world.
Born on August 11, 1939, in Kinaba, Kinkizi District in the Kigezi region, Kanyeihamba’s academic journey took him from Kigezi High School and Busoga College Mwiri to Norwich City College and then to the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom, where he earned his Bachelor of Laws. He later obtained a Doctorate of Laws from the University of Warwick, credentials that bolstered his stature as a jurist, scholar, and educator.
Appointed to the Supreme Court of Uganda in 1997, he served until his retirement in 2009. The Judiciary praised his judicial career as one marked by deep respect for the Constitution and a firm belief in judicial independence. “His rulings and legal writings demonstrate a strong commitment to constitutionalism, justice, and human rights—values he steadfastly upheld throughout his life,” the Judiciary noted.
In 2006, he was elected as one of the first judges of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, where he played a foundational role in shaping its jurisprudence and credibility in defending human rights across the continent. One of his most defining contributions came in the early 1990s when he served as Chairperson of the Legal and Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly that enacted Uganda’s 1995 Constitution.
The Judiciary acknowledged this as a milestone in Uganda’s governance history. Prof. Kanyeihamba also held key national roles, including Chairperson of the Committee on Judges’ Terms and Conditions of Service, Legal Adviser to the President on Human Rights and International Affairs, and Chairperson of the International Commission of Jurists’ Advisory Panel of Eminent Commonwealth Judicial Experts. He was a founding member of the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative in Kampala.
Beyond the courtroom, he was a celebrated academic and author. He lectured at Nsamizi Law School (which later became the Law Development Centre), Portsmouth College (now the University of Portsmouth), Lanchester Polytechnic (now Coventry University), and the University of Wales in Cardiff.
He also served as Chancellor of both Kampala International University and Kabale University, and chaired the Board of Trustees of Kabale University.
His literary works include “Constitutional Law and Government in Uganda: The Theory and Practice of Constitutionalism in Uganda,” “Kanyeihamba’s Commentaries on Law, Politics and Governance” (2006), and “Constitutional and Political History of Uganda: From 1894 to Present” (2010).
The Judiciary emphasized his advocacy for the rights of vulnerable groups, particularly refugees. His 1987 article, “Improving the Standards of Human Rights and Refugee Protection in Africa,” published in Refuge: Canada’s Journal on Refugees, was cited as one of many examples of his human rights scholarship.
“He is remembered for advocating for the rights of refugees and other vulnerable groups,” the Judiciary said, noting that his literature continues to influence human rights discourse in Africa.
Justice Kanyeihamba is also remembered for his integrity and courage in defending the independence of the judiciary.
“His steadfast integrity, moral leadership, and extraordinary bravery in upholding the independence of the Judiciary and the sanctity of the Constitution define Justice Kanyeihamba’s legacy.
He was outspoken, fearless, formidable and principled, deeply ethical and incorruptible,” the statement read. In its message of condolence, the Judiciary extended sympathies to the family of the late Justice Kanyeihamba, the President of Uganda, the legal fraternity, academia, the people of Uganda, and international colleagues who were touched by his life and contributions.
“While we grieve his passing on, we also honour a life devoted to service, justice, and the unrelenting search for the truth,” the Judiciary noted. Meanwhile, the family of the late Justice Kanyeihamba is in consultation with the government and the Judiciary to finalize his burial arrangements.
According to the family lawyer, Justinian Kateera, discussions are ongoing with all relevant state institutions to ensure a dignified send-off for the eminent jurist.
Preparations are underway, and we have learned that the widow of Justice Kanyeihamba is expected to arrive in the country on Friday, accompanied by their three children, who currently live in the United Kingdom.