Kanyeihamba burial delayed over wife’s health

RIP: Justice George Kanyeihamba

The burial arrangements for retired Supreme court judge Prof George W. Kanyeihamba have been delayed, following concerns over the health of his wife, Susan Kanyeihamba, who is currently under medical observation in the United Kingdom.

Family sources told URN that Susan went into shock upon receiving news of her husband’s death, prompting doctors to monitor her condition before clearing her for any long-haul travel to Uganda.

“She is under doctors’ observation to establish her readiness to manage a flight,” a source close to the family revealed.

The family had initially planned to travel to Uganda on Wednesday night, but this may not be possible until her condition stabilizes, the source added. A brief family meeting was held on Monday evening, during which Kanyeihamba’s son, Joel Kanyeihamba, who is also based abroad, suggested that a final burial program would be confirmed by Tuesday.

However, no conclusive plans had been finalized by press time.

“There were discussions, but they didn’t yield a decision. The family abroad cannot travel immediately due to her condition,” the source noted.

Susan, who has lived in the UK for years, was married to the late judge there. Her current medical condition has compelled the family to delay setting burial dates until her travel status is clarified.

Meanwhile, mourners have continued to gather at the late judge’s residence in Buziga, a Kampala suburb. As of Tuesday morning, several mourners were seen seated on the veranda and in the compound, though the main house remained closed.

At the time of his death, Kanyeihamba was being cared for by a small group that included his adopted daughter Betty Nabitosi and two media practitioners from Alternative Digitalk, Arnold Anthony Mukose and Norman Tumuhimbise who were close to him and among his mentees.

The family, in coordination with the government, is expected to release an official burial program once travel arrangements for close relatives are finalized. Kanyeihamba passed away on Monday morning at Nakasero hospital at the age of 85.

He had been admitted to the intensive care unit for over a month, battling complications related to diabetes. He was set to celebrate his 86th birthday on August 11, 2025. A revered legal scholar, former cabinet minister, and outspoken Supreme court justice, Kanyeihamba was widely respected for his firm advocacy for human rights, judicial independence, and the rule of law.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Kanyeihamba, and four children: Sarah Kanyeihamba, Joel Kanyeihamba, Ruth Kanyeihamba, and adopted daughter Betty Nabitosi Kanyeihamba. Tributes have continued to pour in from across Uganda’s legal and political spectrum, with many praising his legacy in the country’s legal and constitutional development.

The family has also confirmed that they are awaiting formal guidance from the government regarding the burial arrangements, given Kanyeihamba’s status as a former senior government official.

The government, however, has yet to issue a formal statement on his death, partly due to the current absence of an official spokesperson following the resignation of Ofwono Opondo to join active politics. Kanyeihamba’s body remains at A Plus Funeral Home