President Yoweri Museveni has paid tribute to the late Professor George Wilson Kanyeihamba, describing him as a contributor to Uganda’s liberation struggle and a voice for politics based on interests rather than identity.
Speaking during a condolence visit to the family home in Buziga on July 23, Museveni reflected on their long history, starting with a debate in the late 1960s.
“I first met Kanyeihamba during a debate at Makerere University in 1969 or 1970,” Museveni recalled. “I was a third-year student at the University of Dar es Salaam.”
Later, in a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), Museveni wrote, “This afternoon, I passed by the home of the late Professor George Kanyeihamba in Bugiza to commiserate with his family. We, the people of this area, received a new idea with the arrival of Christianity: that when we die, we go to heaven. Before that concept, our belief was in eternity through our children.”
“I was happy to see the resurrection through the children and grandchildren that Kanyeihamba has left behind,” he continued. “He was one of the contributors to the struggle who emphasized the politics of interests over identity. I, therefore, salute his contributions and valued input. I extend the condolences of the NRM and my family. May his soul rest in peace.”
Museveni also recalled their work together in 1979 under the short-lived government of President Yusuf Lule, where Kanyeihamba served as Attorney General, and later in the United Kingdom during the liberation movement. “My coming here today is to show you that we value his contribution to the growth and development of this nation,” he said.
Joel Martin Masiko Kanyeihamba, the late professor’s son, thanked the President for his visit and the trust he had placed in his father over the years. He also asked for government support in clearing medical expenses.
The widow, Suzan Kanyeihamba, noted the long relationship between her husband and the President, saying he had always been honored to serve the country.
Former Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda described Kanyeihamba as a pioneer of legal education and a defender of human rights. “Ugandan lawyers have a lot to learn from him through his judgments and the many books he authored,” Rugunda said.
Another former Prime Minister, Amama Mbabazi, told the family that Museveni had committed to covering the UGX 154 million medical bill the family incurred before Kanyeihamba’s death.
Professor Kanyeihamba passed away on July 14 at Nakasero Hospital. He was 85.
The family has released a tentative burial program. According to Joel Kanyeihamba, proceedings will begin with a special Supreme Court session on Wednesday at 2 p.m. in honor of the late Justice.
On Friday, mourners will gather at the Buziga home at 11 a.m., followed by a tribute service at 3 p.m. A church service is scheduled for Monday next week at All Saints Cathedral in Kampala, beginning at 9 a.m. The official vigil will follow at Kabojja International School, Buziga, at 3 p.m.
The funeral and burial are scheduled for Tuesday at the family home in Buziga. A public funeral service will be held earlier that day at the Kabojja School grounds, starting at 10 a.m.
