Justice Prof. George Wilson Kanyeihamba, one of Uganda’s most distinguished legal minds passed away this morning at Nakasero Hospital where he had been admitted for some time. The cause of his death is not yet clear but he had been unwell over the last five years. He was 85 years of age.
His passing has elicited an outpouring of grief and tributes from across Uganda and beyond.
Often referred to affectionately as “Mzee Asingwire,” he was celebrated for his intellectual rigor, integrity, and unwavering dedication to justice.
His contributions to Uganda’s legal system, particularly through his work on the 1995 Constitution and his tenure on the Supreme Court, have left a lasting impact on the nation’s governance and jurisprudence.
Kanyeihamba, who never shied away from expressing controversial opinions, leaves behind a legacy of contributions to Uganda’s legal, political, and academic spheres, having served as a Supreme Court Judge, Cabinet Minister, and influential educator.
Born on August 11, 1939, in Kinaba, Kinkizi District, Kigezi Region, Kanyeihamba was the youngest of eleven children born to Zakaliya Bafwokworora and Kyenda Malyamu Kyakundwa. His early education began in local institutions, including Hamurwa Church School, Nyaruhanga Anglican Church Primary School, Nyakatare Church School, and Kigezi High School. He later attended Busoga College Mwiri before pursuing higher education at Norwich City College in the United Kingdom.
Kanyeihamba earned a Bachelor of Laws from Portsmouth University (now the University of Portsmouth) and went on to achieve a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law from the University of Warwick in the 1970s. In recognition of his contributions to legal scholarship, Warwick awarded him an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) in 2008.
Storied Legal Career
Kanyeihamba’s career was marked by a steadfast commitment to justice, human rights, and public service.
Appointed to the Supreme Court of Uganda in 1997, he served with distinction until his retirement in November 2009. During his tenure, he was known for his principled judgments and dedication to upholding the rule of law.
Prior to his judicial appointment, Kanyeihamba held several high-profile roles in government, including Minister of Commerce, Minister of Justice, and Attorney-General. [WATCH VIDEO]
His influence extended to the drafting of Uganda’s 1995 Constitution, where he served as Chairman of the Legal and Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly, playing a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s legal framework.
Beyond his judicial and political roles, Kanyeihamba also chaired the Committee on Judges’ Terms and Conditions of Service and was a member of the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative. Internationally, he served as Chair of the International Commission of Jurists Advisory Panel of Eminent Commonwealth Judicial Experts, cementing his reputation as a globally respected jurist.
A prolific scholar, Kanyeihamba made significant contributions to legal education. After completing his studies, he began his academic career as a lecturer at Portsmouth College (now the University of Portsmouth) and later taught at the Nsamizi Law School in Entebbe, which evolved into the Law Development Centre.
He also lectured at Lanchester Polytechnic (now Coventry University) and the University of Wales in Cardiff. His academic work included authoring and co-authoring numerous journal articles and books, which remain influential in legal scholarship.
Kanyeihamba is survived by a wife Susan Kanyeihamba, and three children—Sarah, Joel, and Ruth—as well as an adopted daughter, Betty.
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