President Museveni has paid tribute to the late Prof. George Kanyeihamba, describing him as a distinguished scholar, patriot, and contributor to Uganda’s liberation and post-war governance.
President Museveni expressed deep sorrow at the passing of the retired Supreme Court Judge and former Cabinet Minister, recalling personal encounters with Prof. Kanyeihamba dating back to the early 1970s.
“It is with great sorrow that I learnt of the death of our friend Prof. Kanyeihamba,” Museveni said.
The President recounted their first meeting during a historic intellectual debate at Makerere University between renowned scholars Prof. Ali Mazrui and Dr. Walter Rodney.
“I remember first meeting Professor Kanyeihamba, I think, at the historic debate between Prof. Mazrui and Dr. Rodney at Makerere University. This is when Prof. Mazrui, in his remarks, said that he was not in ‘conflict’ with Dr. Rodney, whereupon Rodney said that they cannot be in ‘conflict’ because they were not even in ‘touch’,” Museveni recalled.
The president noted that while Mazrui spoke on neo-colonialism, Rodney’s focus was on true independence, highlighting the ideological divide of the time.
He added that he later met Kanyeihamba again in the United Kingdom during the 1981–1986 Bush War, where the professor supported the external efforts of the liberation struggle.
“After that debate, I next met Kanyeihamba in UK as part of our external committee in the 1981–86 war,” Museveni said.
Following the liberation, Prof. Kanyeihamba joined the NRM Government, serving as a Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament representing Rubaanda. He later ascended to the judiciary, becoming a respected Judge of the Supreme Court.
“I salute his contribution to Uganda and to the NRM over the years,” President Museveni said, adding heartfelt condolences. “Condolences to his family and friends. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Prof. Kanyeihamba was known not only for his legal mind but also for his firm stance on justice and rule of law.
