HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I One of Africa’s greatest exports to the Western media fraternity is no more.
Shaka Ssaka, the former Voice of America (VOA) TV’s veteran host has been confirmed dead by a family member, who did not divulge details about his cause of death, or whereabouts of the body.
“We have received the sad news and are yet to come to terms about his passing. We will divulge more details about the burial arrangements at a later stage,” said a relative who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The self-proclaimed “Kabale Kid” passed away on Thursday evening. He will be dearly missed by the African journalism community, who immensely loved his legendary voice and style of presentation.
Having presented Straight Talk Africa for a record 20 years, Shaka Ssali had become a household name in Africa. He was known for his fearless and incisive journalism which pushed him into tackling some of the most pressing issues on the continent. Such included corruption, social justice, politics and human rights.
Shaka Ssali was born in Uganda and began his journalism career in the 1970s. He started his humble journey in the hills of Kabale as a pupil at Kikungiri primary school, before joining Kigezi High School.
His professional career started when he worked as a reporter and editor for several newspapers in Uganda before joining the Voice of America in 1994.
Ssali hosted “Straight Talk Africa” from its inception in 2000 until his retirement in 2023.
The late Shaka Ssali (L) enjoying a light moment with former principal judge James Ogoola
The Ugandan North American Association (UNAA) honored the veteran journalist with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to media in Africa. This was during their annual convention in 2024.
He will be dearly missed by family and friends, as well as the entire journalism fraternity in Africa.
