Standing on the Shoulders of Giants, We Move Forward: Honoring Professor Ignatius Kakande

In this issue of The East and Central African Journal of Surgery (ECAJS), we reflect on the remarkable contributions of Professor Ignatius Kakande, our second editor-in-chief and a guiding force behind the journal’s conception, birth and growth. Professor Kakande’s legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of ECAJS and COSECSA, where his influence as a senior professor in surgery, a mentor, and fatherly figure has left an indelible mark on countless colleagues and students alike. His commitment to building a platform for African surgical voices has transformed ECAJS into a respected journal, showcasing the innovations, challenges, and triumphs of surgical practice across the continent.