Kigezi leaders eulogize veteran journalist Shaka Ssali
Deceased: Veteran journalist, Shaka Ssali
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A group of leaders from the Kigezi region have praised the late veteran journalist, describing him as a distinguished figure who promoted his home area on the international stage throughout his career.
Fondly known as the "Kabale Kid," Shaka Ssali, the former host of Voice of America's flagship weekly program Straight Talk Africa, passed away in Virginia, USA, on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Ssali had recently been honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to media in Africa.
A group of leaders from the Kigezi region have praised the late veteran journalist, describing him as a distinguished figure who promoted his home area on the international stage throughout his career.
The Deputy Speaker of Kabale District Council, Mr Ronald Mugisha, stated that Shaka Ssali inspired many people from Kigezi and across Uganda to pursue careers in journalism, both locally and internationally, through his exemplary work.
“Shaka Ssali frequently mentioned Kabale as his hometown while hosting his popular program Straight Talk Africa on Voice of America. He also made encouraging statements like ‘Always get better, not bitter,’ and ‘Always keep African hopes high.’ He motivated the youth to join Kigezi College Butobere, aspiring to be like him,” Mr Mugisha said. He added that, if transportation had been available, many people from Kigezi would have attended his funeral.
Mr Abel Bizimana, the Chairman of Kisoro LCV, noted that Kigezi had lost one of its brightest self-made icons, a journalist who demonstrated integrity and respect for all people on the international stage, thus creating a positive image for the Kigezi sub-region.
“I personally traveled with him from Kisoro to Busanza Sub-county in the early 2000s, where he was visiting relatives. I saw firsthand how social and approachable he was, interacting freely with local people despite his international fame.
His unbiased and non-partisan approach to Straight Talk Africa on Voice of America, and his bold handling of issues without fear or favor, earned him credit both in Kigezi and across Uganda,” Mr Bizimana said. “Some people even tried to imitate his voice and deceive me, but despite his passing, Shaka Ssali has left Uganda and Kigezi on the global map as a distinguished journalist.”
Canon Ivan Mbabazi Batuma, Chairman of the Kigezi Tourism Cluster and Director of Voice of Kigezi FM radio station in Kabale, praised Shaka Ssali for his support, which led to his radio station partnering with Voice of America to re-broadcast their programs, including Straight Talk Africa.
“Our local connection with Shaka Ssali helped us secure a partnership with Voice of America, allowing us to re-broadcast their programs on our local FM station in Kabale. This partnership boosted our station's national and international recognition, as we were frequently mentioned on Voice of America as an affiliate,” Mr Batuma said.
Mr Athanasios Mujjasi, LC1 Chairman of Igabiro Cell in Mwanjari Ward of Kabale Municipality, where Shaka Ssali was born, expressed sorrow over the loss of an international figure who had plans to bring development to the area.
“I spoke with Shaka Ssali on the phone at least twice a month, and during our last conversation, he shared his plans for developing Igabiro village and Mwanjari Ward. It is unfortunate that he passed before these plans could come to fruition. May his soul rest in peace,” Mr Mujjasi said.
