Uganda is mourning the loss of retired Supreme Court Justice and revered legal scholar Prof. George Wilson Kanyeihamba, who passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025.
Prof. Kanyeihamba died at Nakasero Hospital, where he had been admitted in critical condition and was reportedly receiving intensive care. A family member confirmed the news, simply stating, “Yes, he’s gone to be with the Lord.” The cause of death is yet to be formally announced.
Prof. Kanyeihamba was a towering figure in Uganda’s legal and academic landscape. Renowned for his unwavering dedication to the rule of law, constitutionalism, and human rights, he played a pivotal role in shaping Uganda’s modern legal system.
He was one of the framers of the 1995 Constitution and served as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Uganda, where he became known for his independence and integrity. His dissenting judgments often championed legal ethics and civil liberties, earning him the reputation of being the “conscience of the judiciary.”
Beyond the courtroom, Prof. Kanyeihamba was a prolific author and distinguished academic. He taught law at Makerere University and published several influential books on constitutional and international law. His voice resonated not just in Uganda, but across the continent, where he was frequently sought for legal commentary on matters of national importance.
He also served as Attorney General, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, and represented Uganda at the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Even in retirement, Prof. Kanyeihamba remained an outspoken advocate for justice and democratic governance.
His passing marks the end of an era in Uganda’s legal and civic life
