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Veteran journalist and broadcaster Shaka Ssali, a respected voice in African media, has passed away at the age of 71 in Virginia, USA.
His death comes just two weeks before what would have been his 72nd birthday.
Although the cause of death has not been officially disclosed, it is known that he had been battling a long-term illness. His passing marks the end of a career that spanned decades, during which he became a trusted source of information and a powerful advocate for democracy and good governance in Africa.
For more than 20 years, Ssali was best known as the host of Straight Talk Africa, a program that provided a platform for African leaders, analysts, and everyday citizens to engage in meaningful discussions about governance, development, and political affairs. His signature phrase, “I’m profoundly honored and exceedingly humbled,” became a hallmark of his on-air presence, earning him admiration and respect from viewers across the continent.
Born on April 9, 1953, in Kabale District, Uganda, Ssali’s journey was shaped by resilience and determination. He left Uganda in 1976 during a turbulent time in the country’s history and went on to pursue higher education in the United States. He later earned a Ph.D. in Cross-Cultural Communications from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), setting the foundation for his impactful career in journalism.
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His contributions to media were widely recognized. In September 2024, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Ugandan North American Association (UNAA) for his dedication to journalism and his role in bringing African stories to a global audience. In his acceptance speech, he dedicated the award to his hometown of Kabale and expressed gratitude to his supporters, family, and even his critics, acknowledging how they all played a role in shaping his journey.
Ssali’s passing is a significant loss to African journalism. His ability to engage leaders in tough but fair conversations, while also amplifying the voices of ordinary Africans, made him a unique figure in the media landscape. His legacy will live on through the many journalists he inspired and the countless individuals who tuned in to his broadcasts over the years.
