In the matter of an application for an Order granting leave to the Judiciary to commemorate Hon. Justice Professor George Wilson Kanyeihamba (Miscellaneous Cause No. 1 of 2025) [20

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Holding

The Supreme Court granted an application by the Judiciary, presented by the Attorney General, for leave to commemorate the late Hon. Justice Professor George Wilson Kanyeihamba, who served as a Justice of the Supreme Court from 1997 and died on 14 July 2025. Relying on the Administration of the Judiciary Act, Cap. 4, and following its own precedents in In re Ruby Opio Aweri and In re Stellah Arach Amoko, the Court found this a fit and proper application. It held that his distinguished career and contributions to Ugandan jurisprudence merited public recognition, and granted leave for judicial officers, the legal profession, staff, family and friends to commemorate him. No order as to costs.

Outcome

Application granted; leave granted to commemorate the late Justice Kanyeihamba

Facts

Hon. Justice Professor George Wilson Kanyeihamba joined the Judiciary as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Uganda in 1997 and served for approximately twelve years before concluding his judicial career. After retirement he continued to serve the public in various capacities and authored numerous books, articles and papers. He held special assignments including Chairperson of the Legal and Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly and legal advisor to the President on human rights and international affairs, and was regarded as a key figure in the 1995 Constitution. He died on 14 July 2025. The Judiciary, through the Acting Chief Registrar's affidavit and presented by the Attorney General, applied for leave to commemorate him; the affidavit in reply did not oppose the application.

Issues

1. Whether leave should be granted to judicial officers, the legal profession, judiciary staff, family and friends to commemorate a deceased retired Justice of the Supreme Court for his distinguished service.

Orders

• Leave is granted to judicial officers, members of the legal profession, judiciary staff, family, and friends to commemorate the late Hon. Justice Professor George Wilson Kanyeihamba for his distinguished service.
• No order as to costs.

Rules and key headnotes

Legislation cited (8)

• Administration of the Judiciary Act Cap. 4 s.2
• Administration of the Judiciary Act Cap. 4 s.3
• Administration of the Judiciary Act Cap. 4 s.13
• Administration of the Judiciary Act Cap. 4 s.23
• Administration of the Judiciary Act Cap. 4 Schedule 3
• Constitution of the Republic of Uganda 1995 Chapter 8
• Judicature (Supreme Court) (Rules) Directions SI 13-11 r.2
• Judicature (Supreme Court) (Rules) Directions SI 13-11 r.42

Cases cited (2)

• In re Hon. Justice Ruby Opio Aweri (Miscellaneous Cause No. 2 of 2022)
• In re Justice Stellah Arach Amoko (Miscellaneous Cause No. 1 of 2023)

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