Justice Eldad Mwangushya has urged former Supreme Court judge George William Kanyeihamba and the management of Kampala International University to reconcile, following Kanyeihamba’s sacking as chancellor of the university last year on April 7.

Retired Supreme Court Judge George Kanyeihamba

The judge called for reconciliation on Thursday when the parties to the case appeared before him at the High Court in Kampala. The case arose last year on July 29, when Kanyeihamba sued, claiming his contract was illegally terminated by the university’s board of trustees chairman city businessman Hassan Basajjabalaba, also the proprietor.

Kanyeihamba claims his contractual obligation was to be associated with KIU for life.

The judge advised KIU to immediately make an audit of money owed to Kanyeihamba, and pay up, saying it could soften Kanyeihamba to withdraw the case.

“First sort out the payment. If there is goodwill on one side, there will definitely be goodwill by the other side. The two sides need each other,” Mwangushya said.

Kanyeihamba was present in court with his lawyer John Fischer Kanyemebwa. Geoffrey Nangumya appeared  as lawyer for KIU.

Kanyeihamba contends that KIU offered to retain him either as a chancellor or developer of courses like ethics, integrity and human rights in appreciation for donating his entire law library and valuable lifetime documents.

Kanyeihamba claims his library collection is worth $550,000. Also sued are the university and the KIU board of trustees. He asserts that his 5-year-contract was subject to renewal on mutual agreement.

Also on yesterday, both lawyers accepted the call for reconciliation, with Nangumya disclosing that a meeting had been fixed to reach an amicable settlement.

Accordingly, the judge adjourned proceedings to October 12, saying in the event that a settlement is not reached, he would proceed and hear the case.

By Andante Okanya, The New Vision