Kanyeihamba criticiszed those opposing Ssemakadde, stating that their efforts should focus on scrutinizing the operations of the Attorney General and the DPP rather than silencing dissent.
Kanyeihamba Defends Ssemakadde
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By Ivan Mugisha
Retired Supreme Court Justice George Wilson Kanyeihamba has leaped to the defence of Uganda Law Society (ULS) president Isaac Ssemakadde amidst growing criticism over his outspoken remarks against corruption in the judiciary.
In a recent post on his X handle (formerly Twitter), Professor Kanyeihamba urged critics to redirect their energy toward combating judicial corruption, addressing impunity, and upholding the rule of law.
“Instead of condemning Ssemakadde for his harsh words against corrupt judicial officers, let them critically examine why the Director of Public Prosecutions can charge individuals outside her jurisdiction without prior extradition proceedings in Kenya,” Kanyeihamba wrote.
His comments followed backlash against Ssemakadde from government officials and legal professionals after mr Ssemakadde's "vulgar" statements directed at the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Jane Frances Abodo, during a function organised by the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF).
Kanyeihamba criticiszed those opposing Ssemakadde, stating that their efforts should focus on scrutinizing the operations of the Attorney General and the DPP rather than silencing dissent.
He expressed frustration with what he described as the failure of some legal professionals to address corruption and abuses of power.
He also accused the DPP of prioritizing directives from her appointing authority over the law, a stance he believes undermines the principles of justice and fairness enshrined in Uganda’s Constitution.
Who is Professor Kanyeihamba?
Professor George Wilson Kanyeihamba is a celebrated Ugandan legal scholar, author, and retired Supreme Court Justice. He served as a member of the Supreme Court from 1997 until his retirement in November 2009.
Before joining the judiciary, he held several key government positions, including Minister of Commerce, Minister of Justice, and Attorney General, all under President Yoweri Museveni’s administration.
A graduate of the University of Warwick, where he earned a PhD in Law, Kanyeihamba was awarded an honorary LLD in 2008 for his contributions to the legal profession. He also chaired the Legal Committee of the Constituent Assembly that crafted Uganda’s 1995 Constitution.
Known for his boldness, Kanyeihamba was one of three Supreme Court justices who ruled that President Museveni’s 2006 re-election was fraudulent enough to warrant nullification.
Many commentators believe his stance in that case cost him his position as a judge of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Kanyeihamba has also been an outspoken critic of government overreach, notably condemning the unconstitutional 2005 invasion of the High Court by armed men to re-arrest treason suspects released on bail.
The Constitutional Court later ruled that the invasion was unlawful.
As debate surrounding Ssemakadde’s remarks continues, Kanyeihamba’s defense highlights persistent challenges within Uganda’s judicial system and broader governance structures.
His call for accountability underscores the need for reform to uphold justice and the rule of law in the country.
