TRIBUTE TO THE LATE PROF. GEORGE WILLIAM KANYEIHAMBA

Kabale University held a solemn press conference to pay tribute to the late Prof. George William Kanyeihamba, one of the institution’s founding fathers and its first Chancellor. The Vice Chancellor, together with the university’s management and staff, extended heartfelt condolences to Prof. Kanyeihamba’s family, the people of Kigezi, the university community, and the public at large.

Prof. Kanyeihamba will be remembered as a visionary leader and a pillar in the establishment and development of Kabale University. In 1995, he initiated monthly meetings at Kampala Club, where like-minded scholars and leaders gathered to deliberate on the need for a university in the Kigezi region. This dream became a reality in 2002, when Kabale University was founded with just 42 students. The goal was clear: to bring higher education closer to the people of Kigezi and eliminate the need for long-distance travel in pursuit of knowledge.

Prof. Kanyeiihamba was not only the first Chancellor but also the first Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, elected by the people of Kigezi. As a dedicated promoter of the university through the Kigezi Development Association, he played an instrumental role in mobilizing financial support for its foundational programs.

Recounting her personal journey, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joy Kwesiga, shared how Prof. Kanyeihamba convinced her to take up the role of the university’s first Vice Chancellor in 2003. With the support of Prof. Kanyeihamba, Prof. Emmanuel Mutebile (RIP), and Dr. Joseph Byamugisha (RIP), they made personal financial contributions to support the position. She further thanked Kabale Local Government for donating 50 acres of land in Kikungiri and 2 acres in Nyabikoni, which now hosts the Faculty of Engineering.

Prof. Kanyeihamba’s commitment to Kabale University was unwavering. He ensured that the first graduation ceremony was held just three years after missing out on graduation and ensured that the graduations continued, despite financial challenges. When funds were lacking, he personally stepped in to support the event. His legacy also includes advocating for underprivileged students, famously urging university leadership to allow them to sit for exams even when fees had not been paid, while withholding transcripts until payments were made.

Though disagreements arose during the university’s transition from a private to a public institution, Prof. Kanyeihamba’s humility prevailed. On 23rd November 2023, he reached out to Prof. Kwesiga with an apology, expressing his desire for reconciliation and shared progress. The university leadership visited him shortly thereafter, presenting him with an art portrait as a token of renewed friendship. He later documented this reconciliation in his memoir “Kanyeihamba at His Best,” copies of which he donated to the university.

Prof. James Tumwine, the first Council Chairman and Dean of Kabale University School of Medicine, described Prof. Kanyeihamba as “a man of great stature in academia and the judiciary, a visionary akin to Thomas Sankara.” He emphasized Prof. Kanyeihamba’s open-door leadership style and hospitality, recalling times the professor personally cooked for guests in his home. Prof. Tumwine also credited him with being one of the key forces behind the establishment of the Makerere University Law School, where he taught with unparalleled passion and expertise.

Mr. Robert Kakuru Byamugisha, the first Guild President of Kabale University, testified to Prof. Kanyeihamba’s generosity and belief in education for all. “Many of us came from humble backgrounds,” he said. “He made sure we studied even without tuition.” Prof. Kanyeihamba always spoke with faith that one day, the university would produce master’s and PhD graduates, a vision now fulfilled.

The students and alumni body have requested that a building or road be named in his honor to preserve his legacy. In response, the Vice Chancellor confirmed that the university management had already discussed the matter and plans to present it to the University Council and relevant government authorities.

Dr. Christine Ampumuza, one of the longest-serving members of staff, reflected on her time as a teaching assistant, beginning in 2003. She spoke of Prof. Kanyeihamba’s dedication to building sound systems within the institution, even during times when staff worked months without pay. He was known for his attention to detail, grammatical precision, and deep cultural sensitivity, qualities that left an indelible mark on the university’s ethos.

The University Librarian, Dr. Bernerd, praised Prof. Kanyeihamba as a true icon of education, revealing that they shared a classroom with his father, making the professor a generational inspiration. Prof. Kanyeihamba also served as patron of the Rubanda Development Association and Kigezi Bank of Commerce. He authored and donated many copies of the eleven books that he has authored to Kabale University at no cost, and was actively pursuing the development of a student hostel through a Public-Private Partnership at the time of his passing.

Canon Kwikiriza remembered him as a man who “spoke with authority, despised corruption, and lived with integrity.” His life’s work exemplified humility, commitment to community, and selfless service.

As Kabale University, we celebrate the life and legacy of Prof. George William Kanyeihamba, a man who passionately fought for good governance, stood for justice, mentored generations, and left an enduring legacy of scholarship and public service.

We call upon all members of the academic and national community to emulate his values:

• Build strong institutions
• Practice integrity
• Champion justice and equality
• Serve with humility
• Preserve cultural identity
• Remain visionary

Rest in peace, Prof. George William Kanyeihamba. You laid the foundation, and we will continue to build upon it.