The Judiciary will today, Wednesday, July 23, 2025, hold a special Supreme Court session in honour of the late Justice George Wilson Kanyeihamba, a retired Supreme Court judge and one of Uganda’s most eminent legal scholars.
The commemorative session will be held at 2:00 PM at the Judiciary Headquarters in Kampala, in recognition of Justice Kanyeihamba’s exceptional service to Uganda’s legal and constitutional landscape.
The tribute, organized under the directive of the Chief Justice, is being coordinated by the office of the Acting Chief Registrar, Bamin Lamunu Pamella Ocaya.
Justice Kanyeihamba, who passed away recently at the age of 86, is remembered as a towering figure in the development of constitutional law and the promotion of human rights in Uganda. His legal career spanned decades and included service in multiple high-profile roles—among them, Attorney General, Minister of Justice, and member of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
He played a pivotal role in drafting Uganda’s 1995 Constitution and served on the Supreme Court until his retirement in 2009. Even after stepping down, Kanyeihamba remained a vocal defender of constitutionalism and justice, often using his public platform to critique abuses of power and advocate for legal reforms.
The Judiciary has invited members of the Uganda Law Society, judicial officers, and other legal professionals to attend the solemn event. The recommended dress code is formal attire or judicial robes, in keeping with the dignity of the occasion.
Justice Kanyeihamba’s influence continues to be felt in Uganda’s legal practice, with many of his rulings and writings still cited in constitutional and human rights jurisprudence. His fearless commitment to justice and the rule of law has left an enduring legacy that the Judiciary now seeks to formally acknowledge.
Judiciary encouraged all those who wish to celebrate his life and contributions to attend the special court session, as the country bids farewell to a man who helped shape its legal foundation.
Kanyeihamba will be laid to rest at his home in Buziga on Tuesday July 29.
