Summary:
Veteran journalist Justus Tindyebwa, formerly with Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC), shared that his friendship with Ssali deepened in 1963 during a secondary school vacation, where they frequently discussed international issues.
KABALE: The media fraternity in Kabale and leaders from the Kigezi region are mourning the death of Shaka Ssali, a distinguished journalist and former host of Voice of America’s (VOA) popular program Straight Talk Africa.
Ssali passed away on Thursday in Virginia, USA, as confirmed by his close relative, Alex Magezi Kanuga.
Born in Mwanjari, Southern Division, Kabale Municipality, the 69-year-old journalist was the face of Straight Talk Africa for over 20 years. He hosted African leaders, citizens, and analysts in discussions on democracy, governance, and development across the continent.
Former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, a resident of Karubeizi village in Kihihi sub-county, Kanungu district, took to his social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to describe Ssali as an exceptional journalist and a dedicated advocate for Africa.
Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, President Museveni’s Envoy for Special Duties and also a former Prime Minister, reminisced about his childhood friendship with Ssali. He recalled how they worked together in gardens, attended meetings, read newspapers, and engaged in political discussions.
Andrew Agaba, Station Manager of Voice of Kigezi radio, praised Ssali for his role in connecting Voice of Kigezi with VOA through Straight Talk Africa, which the local station also rebroadcasts. He added that Ssali was a source of inspiration for many journalists, including himself.
CUE IN AGABA…..ON SHAKA……RR/ENG//
Veteran journalist Justus Tindyebwa, formerly with Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC), shared that his friendship with Ssali deepened in 1963 during a secondary school vacation, where they frequently discussed international issues. One of their key topics was the Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) by Ian Smith in Northern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).
Tindyebwa recounted that Ssali was later expelled from Kigezi College Butobere in Senior Two and subsequently joined the army under President Milton Obote I. He was sent to Tanzania for training and graduated with the rank of lieutenant. Despite this, their friendship remained strong over the years. He described Ssali as a self-motivated and knowledgeable individual.
CUE IN TINDYEBWA…..ON SHAKA……RR/ENG//
Sam Arineitwe, Central Division LCIII Chairman in Kabale Municipality, stated that the people of Kigezi were proud of Ssali, who served as a pillar in making the district known globally.
CUE IN ARINEITWE…..ON SHAKA……RR/ENG//
Robert Kakuru Byamugisha, Executive Director of Kick Corruption out of Uganda (KICK-U), praised Ssali for his professionalism. He described him as an eminent, patriotic, independent, and self-driven journalist who upheld integrity in his work.
CUE IN BYAMUGISHA……ON SHAKA……RR/ENG//
The family is yet to release the burial program.
