The Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, has paid tribute to late Supreme Court Justice Prof. George W. Kanyeihamba, describing him as a legal giant whose influence will continue through the many young people he mentored. The Kabaka’s message was delivered by the Deputy Katikkiro, Professor Twaha Kigongo Kaawaase, during the launch of Under the Wings of Professor Kanyeihamba, a book authored by lawyer Alex Wavamunno.
The Kabaka said that although Prof. Kanyeihamba had passed on, the values he promoted among generations of lawyers and scholars would continue shaping Uganda’s legal profession. Quoting the Biblical passage in Job 14:7, the Kabaka compared the late jurist to a tree that continues to produce new shoots even after being cut down, saying his legacy lives on through those he mentored.
“He touched many lives, and we continue to see the fruits of his mentorship,” the Kabaka’s message said, describing Wavamunno as one of the people carrying forward Prof. Kanyeihamba’s ideals. The Kabaka commended Wavamunno for documenting the life and work of Prof. Kanyeihamba, whom he described as a world-class legal scholar, constitutionalist, and close friend of the Buganda Kingdom.
Wavamunno, who completed his postgraduate legal training at the Law Development Centre on June 19, 2026, said the book was inspired by the five years he spent working as Prof. Kanyeihamba’s Personal Assistant. He said the book goes beyond Prof. Kanyeihamba’s legal career by highlighting his childhood, friendship with Kabaka Mutebi, role in Uganda’s constitutional development, and his involvement in presidential election petitions before courts.”I have written about a legend who will never be erased from Uganda’s history,” Wavamunno said, urging young Ugandans to read the book and learn from the life of one of the country’s most influential legal minds.//Cue in: “I just graduated…
Professor Rogers Barigayomwe described the publication as an important contribution to preserving Uganda’s legal history, saying Prof. Kanyeihamba’s greatest contribution was not only through his judgments and writings but also through mentoring future generations. He said the late justice believed that “the pen is mightier than the gun,” emphasizing the role of constitutionalism, ideas, and scholarship in defending justice and human rights.
Barigayomwe called on universities and senior professionals to embrace mentorship, saying societies lose important institutional knowledge when experienced leaders fail to pass on their skills. Lawyer Kato Tumusiime described Prof. Kanyeihamba as a fearless defender of justice who challenged corruption, abuse of office, and violations of constitutional rights.
He highlighted the late justice’s contribution to Uganda’s constitutional jurisprudence, including writings on presidential election petitions, habeas corpus, bail, and judicial independence. Retired Major Pollar Awich, the Director for External Affairs in the National Resistance Movement, said Prof. Kanyeihamba’s influence extended beyond Uganda, noting his contribution to Kenya’s Constitution drafting process and his international recognition, including nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Awich said the late justice played a key role in shaping Uganda’s constitutional order, especially through his advocacy for human rights protections, including freedom from torture, slavery, and the right to a fair hearing. Lawyer Medard Lubega Sseggona, a former Member of Parliament, described Under the Wings of Professor Kanyeihamba as more than a biography, saying it captures Uganda’s constitutional journey and demonstrates the importance of mentorship, courage, integrity, and the rule of law.
Prof. George W. Kanyeihamba, who died on July 14, 2025, served as Attorney General, Cabinet Minister, and Supreme Court Justice. He also participated in the drafting of Uganda’s Constitution and was widely remembered for his defence of judicial independence, constitutionalism, and human rights-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
