Veteran journalist Shaka Ssali the host of Straight Talk Africa program on Voice of America died Thursday.
The Ugandan born journalist weeks before his 72nd birthday. He died in the United States after undergoing surgery for an undisclosed ailment.
Ssali was known for his wit, humour, and intellectual curiosity, and built a reputation as a journalist who could engage with anyone, from heads of state to ordinary citizens.
While serving at the VOA, Ssali used his platform to dissect pressing issues such as governance, corruption, human rights, and democracy.
Ssali was known for his wit, humour, and intellectual curiosity, and built a reputation as a journalist who could engage with anyone, from heads of state to ordinary citizens.
His journalism career began in the 1970s in Uganda, where he worked as a reporter and editor before joining VOA in 1994. In August 2000, he launched Straight Talk Africa, an hour-long talk show that became a respected platform for analysing African affairs.
Ssali remained at the helm of the show until his retirement in May 2021, leaving behind a rich legacy in global journalism.
In 2016, he was selected one of three moderators for the Ugandan presidential debate. Throughout his career, he received multiple accolades for his contributions to journalism, mentoring many young journalists and advocating for press freedom.
Ssali’s death coincides with the controversial closure of Voice of America.
VOA ceased operations following an executive order from the President Donald Trump administration, which dismantled its parent organisation, the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM).
