Who is Prof George Kanyeihamba? Wife, Children, Biography & Net Worth

Kampala, July 14, 2025 – Uganda is mourning the death of Prof. George Wilson Kanyeihamba, a respected former Supreme Court judge and constitutional lawyer. He passed away at Nakasero Hospital after battling diabetes for several weeks. He was 85 years old.

A Humble Beginning

George Kanyeihamba was born on August 11, 1939, in Kinaba, Kinkizi District, in southwestern Uganda. He was the youngest of eleven children in a Christian family. He began his early education in village church schools before joining Kigezi High School and later Busoga College Mwiri.
His love for law and justice led him to the United Kingdom, where he studied at Portsmouth University. He later completed his PhD in Law at the University of Warwick, where he would eventually receive an honorary degree in recognition of his legal work.

From Law Classroom to Courtroom

Prof. Kanyeihamba started his career as a law lecturer in both Uganda and the UK. He taught at the Law Development Centre in Entebbe and several UK universities. His influence on young lawyers continued even after he joined public service.

He held key positions in the Ugandan government, including:

• Attorney General

• Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs

• Minister of Commerce

He also served as a Member of Parliament, where he played a role in shaping national legal reforms.

Architect of the Constitution

Prof. Kanyeihamba made a major contribution in the 1990s as a senior figure in drafting Uganda’s 1995 Constitution. He chaired the legal committee of the Constituent Assembly, a role that won him admiration across political divides.

He joined the Supreme Court of Uganda in 1997 and served for over a decade. He retired in 2009 but remained active in legal discussions and civil society work.

A Bold Voice Against Injustice

Kanyeihamba was not afraid to speak the truth—even against powerful figures. In 2006, he was one of three Supreme Court justices who said the presidential election, which saw President Museveni re-elected, was marred by serious flaws.
He also openly condemned the army’s re-arrest of suspects within the High Court premises, calling it a direct attack on judicial independence.

Over time, he became known as one of Museveni’s strongest critics, despite having worked closely with him earlier.

Service Beyond Borders

In addition to national roles, Prof. Kanyeihamba was elected to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. However, after his 2006 ruling against Museveni’s election, Uganda reportedly lobbied to have him removed from the court. Still, he continued his advocacy for human rights and judicial freedom.

Final Days and Public Mourning

Prof. Kanyeihamba had been admitted to the intensive care unit at Nakasero Hospital for several weeks before his death on Monday, July 14, 2025. His condition had worsened due to diabetes-related complications.

Tributes have poured in from political leaders, legal scholars, and ordinary citizens.

• Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa praised him for shaping Uganda’s legal education.

• Former Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda described him as “brilliant, bold, and principled.”

• JEEMA, an opposition political party, called him a “hero of justice and human rights.”

• Buganda Kingdom Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga remembered him as a wise and upright man.

Family and Personal Life

Prof. Kanyeihamba was married to Susan Kanyeihamba, originally from the UK. The couple had three biological children—Sarah, Joel, and Ruth—and an adopted daughter named Betty.

The family is waiting on guidance from government authorities regarding the funeral program and burial site.

His Legacy Lives On

Beyond his government service and court rulings, Prof. Kanyeihamba was a prolific writer. He authored several books and academic articles on constitutional law, governance, and justice. His most known book is “Kanyeihamba’s Commentaries on Law, Politics and Governance.”

He served as Chancellor at both Kampala International University and Kabale University, helping shape higher education policy and academic standards.

To many Ugandans, Prof. Kanyeihamba was not just a judge or minister—he was a national conscience. His courage, scholarship, and moral integrity earned him respect even from those who disagreed with him politically.