Shaka Ssali

Shaka Ssali
Shaka Ssali, host of Straight Talk Africa
Born
Turyagyenda Bernard

(1953-04-09)April 9, 1953
Kabale District, Protectorate of Uganda
DiedMarch 27, 2025(2025-03-27) (aged 71)
Virginia, U.S.
Other namesKabale Kid
EducationUniversity of California, Los Angeles (BA, MA, PhD in Cross-Cultural Communications)
Alma materKigezi College Butobere

Kigezi Junior Secondary School

Kikungiri Primary School
OccupationsJournalist, Broadcaster, Media Personality
Years active1980s–2021
EmployerVoice of America (VOA)
Known forHost of Straight Talk Africa
Notable workStraight Talk Africa
Parents
  • John Mushakamba (father)
  • Joyce Mushakamba (mother)
AwardsUN Peacekeeping Special Achievement Award, Ford Foundation Fellow, UNAA Lifetime Achievement Award

Shaka Ssali (April 9, 1953 – March 27, 2025), also known as Kabale Kid, was a Ugandan-born American journalist best known as the host of Straight Talk Africa on Voice of America (VOA). He led the program for more than two decades, where he was recognized for facilitating discussions on democracy, governance, and development across Africa.[1][2][3][4][5][6]

Early life and education

Ssali was born in Kabale District, Western Uganda to John and Joyce Mushakamba.[7] He attended Kikungiri Primary School, and later studied at Kigezi High School. He joined Kigezi College Butobere for junior secondary education. In 1965, he enrolled at Kigezi College Butobere for senior secondary studies, where he excelled in sports.[4][8]

His education was interrupted in the 1960s, leading him to leave school early.[9] During this period, he enlisted in the Uganda People's Defence Force as a paratrooper.[1]

In 1976, Ssali moved to the United States looking for safety from Idi Amin’s oppressive regime.[4] He later pursued higher education at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), earning bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in Cross-Cultural Communications.[1][4][5][6]

Career

Ssali began his broadcasting career at VOA as co-host of Africa World Tonight. In 2000, he became the founding host of Straight Talk Africa,[5][6] a weekly talk show that featured African leaders, analysts, and citizens discussing political and social issues. [10][11] His signature opening phrase—“I’m profoundly honored and exceedingly humbled”—became closely associated with the program.[1][3][4]

Ssali retired from VOA in May 2021 but continued to mentor young journalists and participate in public speaking engagements.[1][12]

Recognition

In September 2024, the Ugandan North American Association (UNAA) presented Ssali with a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his contributions to African media.[13][4]

VOA's Shaka Ssali and Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama meet in Accra.

He was also a former Ford Foundation fellow and a recipient of several awards, including the United Nations Peacekeeping Special Achievement Award in International Journalism.[1]

Death

He died on March 27, 2025, in Virginia, at the age of 71, following surgery.[1][2][3][14] He leaves behind a legacy of being a mentor to emerging journalists and a bridge between African leaders and the public.[4][15]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Veteran journalist Shaka Ssali is dead". Monitor. March 27, 2025. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
  2. ^ a b Reporter, NELSON MANDELA | PML Daily (March 27, 2025). "Legendary Journalist Shaka Ssali Passes On - PML Daily". Retrieved March 27, 2025.
  3. ^ a b c "Shaka Ssali, VOA's iconic host, dies | Pulse Uganda". www.pulse.ug. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g "Biography: Who Was Shaka Ssali? | Pulse Uganda". www.pulse.ug. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
  5. ^ a b c "Straight talker Shaka". The Independent Uganda. May 25, 2021. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
  6. ^ a b c "Ugandans in Diaspora honour journalist Shaka Ssali". Monitor. October 5, 2021. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
  7. ^ "Shaka Ssali: The Kabale Kid who made good (Part 2)". Monitor. April 8, 2025. Retrieved December 23, 2025.
  8. ^ Kisakye, Frank (June 2, 2021). "Salute to Shaka Ssali, the Kabale kid's 29 years at Voice of America". The Observer. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
  9. ^ [4][7]
  10. ^ "Shaka Ssali breaks silence on role in presidential debate". Monitor. April 19, 2024. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
  11. ^ "Veteran journalist Shaka Ssali has died". The Citizen. March 27, 2025. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
  12. ^ Admin, Exclusive (March 27, 2025). "Former Stright Talk Africa host Shaka Ssali dead". Exclusive Bizz. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
  13. ^ Ugandan diaspora organization honors former VOA journalist Shaka Ssali. September 3, 2024. Retrieved March 27, 2025 – via www.voaafrica.com.
  14. ^ "Veteran journalist Shaka Ssali has died". NTV Uganda. March 27, 2025. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
  15. ^ "Alain Foka quitte RFI mais ne se rend pas". Jeune Afrique. October 18, 2023. Retrieved March 28, 2025.
allikas: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaka_Ssali