Africa-Press – Uganda. President Museveni has hailed the late Prof. George Wilson Kanyeihamba as a towering figure in Uganda’s legal, academic, and political history, describing him as a patriot whose legacy should be preserved for future generations.
In a message delivered by the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Chris Baryomunsi, during the funeral service at All Saints Cathedral in Kampala, Museveni recognized Kanyeihamba’s exceptional service as a lawyer, scholar, judge, and public servant.
“On behalf of the Government of Uganda, the NRA fraternity, and all Ugandans, I extend heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Professor George Kanyeihamba. We are not only mourning, but also celebrating his great legacy,” the message read.
The President recalled Kanyeihamba’s contribution during the 1981–1986 liberation struggle, where he served on the NRA’s external committee that mobilized support from the diaspora.
After the NRA’s victory, he went on to serve in several ministerial roles and represented Rubanda in Parliament.
Museveni also praised Kanyeihamba’s judicial career, highlighting his landmark rulings and scholarly contributions to constitutional and human rights law.
“His writings and judicial decisions are a great treasure for current and future generations,” Museveni noted.
As a gesture of solidarity, the President contributed Shs 10 million towards the funeral arrangements and support for the bereaved family. The donation was officially handed over by Minister Baryomunsi during the service.
Justice Kanyeihamba, a retired Supreme Court judge and one of the key framers of Uganda’s 1995 Constitution, passed away last week.
He is remembered for his fearless pursuit of justice, academic excellence, and unwavering commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law.
Former Minister for Ethics and Integrity, Miria Matembe, described him as a fearless defender of truth and justice whose work laid the foundation of Uganda’s modern legal system.
Matembe reflected on their shared struggles growing up in poverty, their passion for justice, and their collaboration during the constitution-making process in the early 1990s.
“At the age of nine, I already knew I wanted to study law to fight against injustice, inequality, and unfairness,” Matembe said. “When I later came across a book by Justice Kanyeihamba on constitutional law, I was inspired and dreamed of meeting him one day. That dream came true.”
A member of the 21-member Constituent Assembly Commission that drafted the 1995 Constitution, Matembe recalled Kanyeihamba’s pivotal role as chair of the legal and drafting committee that finalized the document. She emphasized their shared values of constitutionalism, integrity, and gender equality.
“He stood firm in defending what was right. He could not be bent or bribed. That’s why we found ourselves on the same side when we opposed the removal of presidential term limits,” she said.
“We were both rejected for standing by our principles, but we never regretted it.”
Despite facing political isolation in later years, Matembe said Kanyeihamba remained steadfast in advocating for human rights, the rule of law, and constitutional governance.
“Even in the face of hatred and exclusion, he never wavered. He spoke truth to power without fear and that’s why his legacy will endure,” she added.
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