KAMPALA– Hundreds of legal practitioners who included individuals justices from Supreme Court, of Court of Appeal High Court judges, Lawyers from private practice and Government, family and friends of Prof George Wilson Kanyeihamba converged at a Supreme Court for special seating honoring his good deeds to the country.
The seating held on Wednesday 23rd July, 2025, was a special Supreme Court session, where a panel of seven justices of supreme Court led by the Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo presided over the matter. Like any other civil matter , it was read by the court clerk. The petitioners side was led by the Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka, well as the respondents where led by Anthony Asiimwe, the Vice President for Uganda Law Society.
“After careful consideration of the submissions by the arguments presented by the learned Attorney General and Mr. Asiimwe Anthony , the court has determined that the application is appropriate, hence leave is granted for Judicial officers , Judiciary staff , members of legal professional , family and friends to Commemorate life of justice Wilson Kanyeihamba.” ruled Court
After this ruling, those present poured eulogies to the fallen Professor whom they described as un irreplaceable legal icon.
The Chief Justice, in his eulogy described Kanyeihamba as a genius who made tremendous contribution to the Judiciary, despite of the fact that he joined the institution at the peak (Supreme Court) and made land mark contribution.
“There are many people in this country who are brave ,who speak their minds, but the difference between them and Kanyeihamba is that he was a man of substance who spoke not because he had to. Whether you agreed with him or not , you could remember what he said.” Said Dollo
He also pointed out that, Kanyeihamba’s legacy will live on for generations “Judicial.officers stay for years because they are always cited every whenever they are referring to their decisions. Kanyeihamba will always be cited as Kanyeihamba JSC and this will continue until the kingdom.”
Suzan Kanyeihamba, the widow, described her late as as a person who believed in advocating for Human Rights regardless of age , race ,tribe, gender, religion or religion.
“We extend our gratitude to the Judiciary Chief Justice for extending support to the family ever since he passed on. In honoring him today at these Supreme Court grounds, we can feel happy and grateful.” Remarked Suzan
She further noted that the late has inspired many in the new generation of lawyers and judges to the extent there is a person of his character in all law Schools country wide.
Dr. Flavian Zeija , the deputy Chief Justice described the deceased as person of great humor that attracted majority of the Kigezi people into joining the legal fraternity
“He was a hard working, honest and intelligent person, he was principled and always stood his ground on legal matters. He promoted good governance and rule of law
That, in regards to his Judicial career, Zeija described Kanyeihamba as an accomplished and seasoned jurist and an ardent time keeper.
Kiryowa Kiwanuka, the Attorney General , described the late Kanyeihamba as a gallant jurist, an extra ordinary Prof , whose contribution to the law and education will echo for generations.
“I didn’t have the distinct pleasure to interact with him intimately , it was very difficult in our profession to avoid interacting with him through his work, i knew him through my appearance through supreme Court and I know him as the a tough judge was a very tough one, I can’t tell you what happened then, but what I can assure you is that it greatly contributed to whom I am today.” Said Kiryowa
That, on top of all the above, he dedicated his life in pursuant of constitutionalism and rule of law.
The ceremony ended with public viewing of the body. Kanyeihamba will be laid to rest next week on Tuesday at his home in Buziga as per his will.
George W. Kanyeihamba was a Ugandan author, a retired Supreme Court Judge, former cabinet minister, member of parliament and chair of the Legal Committee of the Constituent Assembly that made the 1995 Constitution.
Professor Kanyeihamba was born on 11 August 1939 in Kinaba, Kinkizi, Kanungu, Kigezi Region. He was the last born and eleventh child of Zakaliya Bafwokworora and Kyenda Malyamu Kyakundwa.
He attended Hamurwa Church School, Nyaruhanga Anglican Church Primary School, Nyakatare Church School, Kigezi High School, Busoga College Mwiri, and Norwich City College.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from Portsmouth University.
In 1997 he was appointed a Supreme Court Justice, the position he served in with distinction until his retirement in 2009.
