By Munacho Gwamanda- Prominent surgeon Professor Ignatius Kakande has died.

The distinguished surgeon, educator, and pioneer in surgical training died on February 18 at the age of 81.

Prof. Kakande shaped the region’s surgical education through his leadership in the College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (COSECSA).

His dedication to advancing medical knowledge and mentoring future surgeons leaves an enduring legacy.

The Surgical Society of Zimbabwe president, Dr. Wilfred Muteweye, described Prof. Kakande as a towering figure in surgery whose impact extended far beyond his home country of Uganda.

“The Surgical Society of Zimbabwe joins the broader surgical community across East, Central, and Southern Africa in mourning the loss of this esteemed surgeon, mentor, and scholar,” said Dr. Muteweye, “Prof. Kakande’s passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of surgeons. COSECSA, and indeedthe entire region, is poorer without him, but richer for having known and benefited from his extraordinary life and work. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

Prof. Kakande was instrumental in COSECSA’s formation in 1999, helping establish a structured training framework that has since produced thousands of highly skilled surgeons across the continent. 

Over the next 15 years, he served on COSECSA’s governing council and executive committee, ensuring the institution’s steady growth into a premier academic and training hub for African surgeons.

His contributions were not limited to administration; he was a dedicated educator and mentor, personally training and guiding hundreds of surgeons who have gone on to serve in hospitals across the continent.

His reputation as a fatherly figure in African surgery was built on decades of nurturing talent, shaping curricula, and pushing for improved surgical standards.

Beyond his leadership in training institutions, Prof. Kakande played a crucial role in medical research and knowledge dissemination.

He was the Editor-in-Chief of the East and Central African Journal of Surgery (ECAJS) for over two decades (1995–2016), having taken over from Professor John Jellis, who founded the journal in 1975. 

Under Prof. Kakande’s leadership, the journal evolved into a globally respected, peer-reviewed publication, providing a platform for African surgeons to showcase innovations, discuss challenges, and propose solutions to improve surgical practices.

“His commitment to advancing surgical knowledge and fostering academic excellence has left an indelible mark on the field,” noted Dr. Muteweye.

Prof. Kakande’s medical journey began in the early 1970s when he qualified as a surgeon. Over the decades, he served in leading medical institutions across Africa, including:

• The University of Nairobi (from 1977)
• Makerere University in Uganda
• The National University of Rwanda

His expertise and dedication to surgery and medical education earned him widespread admiration among his colleagues and students.

His final public recognition came in December 2023, when he was celebrated at COSECSA’s 25th anniversary in Zimbabwe, a testament to his enduring commitment to strengthening surgical training across the region.

“His presence at this milestone event was a reminder of his lifelong dedication to the college and its mission,” Dr. Muteweye said.

Prof. Kakande will be fondly remembered for his vision, mentorship, and passion for improving surgical care in Africa. 

His legacy will live on in the thousands of surgeons he trained, the institutions he helped build, and the patients whose lives were saved through his work.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.