A veteran journalist and the long-serving host of Straight Talk Africa on Voice of America (VOA), Shaka Ssali, is dead.
He died on Thursday, 27 March 2025, just two weeks shy of his 72nd birthday.
Fondly known as the “Kabale Kid,” Ssali was a respected journalist whose insightful interviews and fearless discussions on governance, democracy, and human rights earned him recognition across the continent.
For over two decades, he was the face of Straight Talk Africa, a platform that challenged leaders and empowered citizens.
Born in Kabale, Uganda, Ssali pursued academic excellence, earning a doctorate in cross-cultural communication from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
His career at VOA spanned 29 years, 20 of them as the founder and host of Straight Talk Africa.
He retired in May 2021, leaving behind a lasting legacy in African media.
His passing sparked tributes from leaders, journalists, and admirers.
