Law
Supreme Court Holds Special Session To Honour Late Justice George Kanyeihamba
The Supreme Court of Uganda on Wednesday convened a solemn special session at the Judiciary Headquarters in Kampala to pay tribute to the late Hon. Justice Professor George Wilson Kanyeihamba, a towering figure in Uganda’s legal and constitutional history.
Justice Kanyeihamba, who passed away on July 14 at the age of 85, served as a Justice of the Supreme Court from 1997 until his retirement in 2009. He is best remembered for his pivotal role in shaping the country’s democratic framework, having chaired the Legal and Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly that produced Uganda’s 1995 Constitution.
Presided over by Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny–Dollo, the Supreme Court panel comprised Lady Justice Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa Ekirikubinza, Lady Justice Percy Night Tuhaise, Justice Mike Chibita, Justice Stephen Musota, Lady Justice Catherine Bamugemereire, and Justice Kibeedi Muzamiru Mutangula.
The session opened with an application presented by Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka, requesting the court to officially recognize the special sitting as a commemorative session in honor of Justice Kanyeihamba’s distinguished service. The application further sought that the proceedings be preserved as a permanent record of the Supreme Court. It was supported by an affidavit sworn by Pamela Lamunu Ocaya, the Acting Chief Registrar of the Judiciary.
“Justice Kanyeihamba has been described by many as an outspoken, fearless, and formidable sage of the law. He lived a life devoted to justice and the search for truth,” said Kiwanuka.
Lamunu’s affidavit highlighted Justice Kanyeihamba’s broad contributions to legal education, noting his tenure as a lecturer at several institutions, including the Uganda Law School—now the Law Development Centre—from 1966 to 1968. He also served as chairperson of the Judges’ Committee on Ethics and Integrity.
Notably, the event marked a rare reunion of the Bar and Bench, whose relations have been strained for nearly seven months. The Uganda Law Society (ULS), whose president is currently in exile following internal disagreements, appeared in court as a respondent in the petition.
Representing ULS was Vice President Asimwe Anthony, who described the late Justice as “more than a judge.”
“He was a consummate politician who stood unyielding for justice, constitutionalism, and the rule of law,” Asimwe stated.
Chief Justice Owiny–Dollo, in granting the application, referenced earlier decisions in similar cases involving the late Justices Rubby Opio Aweri and Stella Arach Amoko. He affirmed that the Supreme Court recognizes the importance of honoring judicial officers who have rendered exemplary service to the country.
The Chief Justice also honored Justice Kanyeihamba’s final wish that Justice Frederick Martin Stephen Egonda-Ntende of the Court of Appeal speak during the session, recognizing his close personal and professional bond with the late jurist.
Justice Kanyeihamba leaves behind a legacy etched in Uganda’s constitutional and legal development. As the Judiciary and legal fraternity paid tribute, the session stood not only as a moment of reflection but also as a call to uphold the principles he cherished—justice, truth, and the rule of law.
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