By Born in the small town of Kabale, Uganda, Shaka’s early life was marked by humility and resilience. He attended Kikungiri Primary School and later Kigezi High School, but his educational path took an unexpected turn when he dropped out of secondary school in the 1960s.
Undeterred, Shaka enlisted in the Uganda Army as a paratrooper, a decision that would eventually lead him to flee the repressive regime of Idi Amin in 1976. Seeking refuge in the United States, Shaka returned to education, earning his bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD in Cross-Cultural Communications at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Shaka’s journey in journalism began with a humble start at VOA, where he co-hosted Africa World Tonight. His breakthrough came in 2000 when he took the reins of Straight Talk Africa, a platform that allowed him to engage African leaders in critical dialogues on pressing issues.
Throughout his career, Shaka interviewed and hosted many presidents and prime ministers in Africa and across the world, including General Olusegun Obasanjo, Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, Tony Blair, and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. He also hosted newsmakers and policymakers who interacted with Africa, such as Norbert Mao, Johnnie Carson businessman Sir Gordon Wavamuno, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine, and Donald Kaberuka.
For over two decades, Shaka’s voice became synonymous with incisive commentary on Africa’s political and social landscape. His signature introduction, “I’m profoundly honored and exceedingly humbled,” reflected his gratitude and commitment to his craft.
Shaka’s contributions to African journalism were recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ugandan North American Association (UNAA) in September last year. During his acceptance speech, Shaka dedicated the award to the people of Kabale, his family, friends, and even critics who had all played roles in his journey.
As tributes continue to pour in from across the globe, it is clear that Shaka’s legacy will endure. His remarkable journey, from a humble beginning in Kabale to hosting Straight Talk Africa, serves as a testament to the power of dedication, perseverance, and passion. Shaka Ssali may be gone, but his voice and legacy will continue to inspire and shape the narrative of Africa for generations to come.
