I am honored to pay tribute to Professor George Wilson Kanyeihamba, a remarkable individual who has been both a role model and mentor in my life. I have known Prof Kanyeihamba since his early days in politics, and our connection has grown stronger over the years.
He was very close to my late brother, the late governor of the Bank of Uganda Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile, who he shared a deep bond from their youthful years.
I vividly recall one of the memorable moments when Prof. Kanyeihamba visited our home in Ruhita, Kabale and Betty Bigombe, the then Minister for Northern Uganda. It was a moment of owe and admiration for the community especially as they saw a Mukiga from Rubanda district with a Muzungu wife.
Prof. Kanyeihamba was a regular guest at our house. I used to leave with the late Prof. Mutebile at plot 10 Mabua road, Kololo, before I married. Every Sunday we would gather for family luncheon where Prof. Kanyeihamba’s presence was always a source of great joy. His wit, humor and profound insights into Bakiga culture traditions and norms left a last impression on all of us.
Since the passing of the late Prof. Mutebile I have grown even closer to the late Prof. Kanyeihamba. He often shared stories about their deep friendship, and used to describe the late Prof. Mutebile as an intellectual giant, a brilliant economist, and a Mukiga to his core, a man who stood by his word and spoke the truth, even when it meant challenging those in power and authority.
Beyond intellectual conversations, Prof. Kanyeihamba has even taken the time to teach me how to play chess at his home in Buziga. These moments have been invaluable in my life and before he passed on I continued to learn a lot of wisdom, humility and deep understanding of both our heritage and the world at large.
His pass passing on recently has been a great loss of a big brother and a friend. We pray that God will comfort his family and friends.
May God rest his soul rest in eternal peace.
The above tribute was written by Hon Joseph Mutebile
