Shaka Ssali’s will shook family and friends to the core
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The friends and relatives of the late Shaka Ssali, described by many as the Uganda’s best journalism export to the Western media are up in arms over his burial arrangements tomorrow.
Having passed away on March 25, 2025, at the age of 71, Ssali is set to be cremated tomorrow in Alexandria, Virginia, USA. Relatives who have caught a glimpse of his will said it was Ssali’s desire that his body should not be repatriated to Uganda, reason why he preferred cremation.
“He clearly expressed that his body should not be flown back to Uganda. We are astonished because we knew that he cherished Uganda so much and was proud of his homeland,” said one of his relatives, on condition of anonymity.
He said that they thought of taking legal steps to stop the cremation but are still trying to raise finances needed for such a move.
“The decision to cremate his remains is null and void, since it contradicts our traditional norms. We are dissatisfied with it, and are seeking all ways to stop it, in preference for communal mourning and conducting of our cultural rites,” he said.
The cremation, to be witnessed by a few close friends and relatives, is an unfamiliar concept in the Bakiga community, whose traditional values are well cherished and usually followed to the dot.
The late Shaka Ssali
Other relatives reached by Habari Daily sounded that they are losing hope of holding a burial ceremony for the late Ssali, and that thay, with support of the former Prime Minister, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, are only organizing a memorial service.
“No traditional burial arrangements are under way. We are just hopeless and have opted for just a memorial service in his honor,” said Helen Mushakamba, Ssali’s younger sister.
Born in Mwanjali Southern division of Kabale municipality, Ssali, who fled into exile to the USA to escape detention by Idi Amin’s henchmen in the 1970’s, is credited for founding Voice of America’s popular programme Straight Talk Africa for over 20 years.
He later went on to earn a PhD in cross cultural communication at a top US university.
