By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Lifestyle UgandaLifestyle UgandaLifestyle Uganda
  • Home
  • News
    • International News & Politics
    • Education
    • Sports
    • Money & Finance
    • Mobile and Telecommunication
    News
    Get breaking news, music updates, and celebrity stories from Uganda and East Africa. Stay informed with Lifestyle Uganda—your insider source for real-time industry updates.
    Show More
    Top News
    Lycamobile Uganda data bundles and voice (1)
    Lycamobile Uganda: 4 Most Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
    4th April 2025
    Who is John Blaq: Biography, Profile and Life Story of Kashada John
    Who is John Blaq: Biography, Profile and Life Story of Kashada John
    5th October 2023
    lifestyleug.com__Airtel Uganda revises its double data bundle offers (1)
    Airtel Uganda Is Now Offering Double Data Bundles for Its Smartphone Users
    Sponsored by
    TK Makeup Empire
    Latest News
    President Museveni fills vacant IGG post with High Court Judge Aisha Naluzze Batala
    7th October 2025
    Uganda and Ethiopia gain edge amid soaring Indian coffee prices
    7th October 2025
    Uganda’s new Akii Bua Olympic Stadium reaches 25% completion ahead of 2027 Africa Cup of Nations
    4th October 2025
    NUP leadership under pressure to defend fairness of vetting
    4th October 2025
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    • Music
    • Celebrity
    • Biography
    • Lifestyle
      • Fitness
      • Pop Culture
      • Travel/Culture
    Entertainment
    Stay up-to-date with Lifestyle Uganda Entertainment—the latest news, celebrity gossip, films, and TV shows from Uganda, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa.
    Show More
    Top News
    Lycamobile Uganda data bundles and voice (1)
    Lycamobile Uganda: 4 Most Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
    4th April 2025
    Who is John Blaq: Biography, Profile and Life Story of Kashada John
    Who is John Blaq: Biography, Profile and Life Story of Kashada John
    5th October 2023
    The Short-Story of How Pia Pounds Got Famous Will Make You Love Her Even More
    14th April 2025
    Latest News
    Uganda’s Damalie and the Story of Doreen Mirembe: A New Voice in East African Drama
    25th September 2025
    Irene Ntale, Uganda’s R&B star, to wed fiancé Vincent Kalibbala this October
    25th September 2025
    Muhoza Trivia Elle wins Miss Uganda 2025/26 with message for single mothers
    23rd September 2025
    Sheilah Gashumba defends lifestyle after backlash over BBC Dubai trafficking exposé
    19th September 2025
  • Fashion
    • Beauty Trends
    • Accessories
    • Hair
    • Lipstick
    • Makeup
    • Skincare
    FashionShow More
    Elle Trivia Muhoza is the new Miss Uganda, taking over from Natasha Nyonyozi.
    Muhoza Trivia Elle wins Miss Uganda 2025/26 with message for single mothers
    23rd September 2025
    Hollywood favourite Giorgio Armani dies at 91.
    Giorgio Armani, designer behind a $10bn empire, dies aged 91
    5th September 2025
    Santa Anzo and Inspire Africa at UNAA 2025.
    Inspire Africa joins Santa Anzo in coffee-meets-fashion showcase at the UNAA Convention in New Orleans
    30th August 2025
    MultiChoice backs beauty training to boost local storytelling.
    MultiChoice Uganda backs makeup masterclass to boost local talent, strengthen film industry
    31st July 2025
    Miss Uganda 2025 launch highlights shift in strategy.
    Search for Miss Uganda 2025/2026 Begins with Centralised Format
    13th June 2025
  • Health & Living
  • Tips & Advice
Search
© 2023 Lifestyle Uganda. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Shaka Ssali, Former Straight Talk Africa Host, Passes Away at 71
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Lifestyle UgandaLifestyle Uganda
Font ResizerAa
  • Home
  • News
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Health & Living
Search
  • Home
  • News
    • International News & Politics
    • Education
    • Sports
    • Money & Finance
    • Mobile and Telecommunication
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    • Music
    • Celebrity
    • Biography
    • Lifestyle
  • Fashion
    • Beauty Trends
    • Accessories
    • Hair
    • Lipstick
    • Makeup
    • Skincare
  • Health & Living
  • Tips & Advice
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
© 2023 Lifestyle Uganda. A Now & Entertainment Media Company. All Rights Reserved.
Lifestyle Uganda > Blog > Entertainment > Shaka Ssali, Former Straight Talk Africa Host, Passes Away at 71
Entertainment

Shaka Ssali, Former Straight Talk Africa Host, Passes Away at 71

Ssendaza Ismail
Last updated: 28th March 2025 4:08 pm
By
Ssendaza Ismail
BySsendaza Ismail
Staff Writer
Am passionate blogger at Lifestyle Uganda, where i share the latest news and gossip on both local and international celebrities. With a keen eye for trends...
Follow:
- Staff Writer
Share
3 Min Read
VOA Confirms Death of Straight Talk Africa Host Shaka Ssali
SHARE

Veteran journalist and former Straight Talk Africa host Shaka Ssali has died at 71.

Known as the “Kabale Kid,” Ssali passed away on March 27 in the U.S., where he had lived for years. His death was confirmed by longtime friend Julius Mucunguzi, who called it “devastating.” The cause of death hasn’t been disclosed, but Ssali had been dealing with health issues since last year.

Voice of America (VOA), where Ssali spent decades shaping African journalism, called him a “revered broadcaster” and said he left behind a lasting legacy.

For over 20 years, he was the face of Straight Talk Africa, interviewing leaders, analysts, and citizens about governance, democracy, and development. His sharp questions and commitment to press freedom earned him deep respect across the continent.

“A native of Kabale, Uganda, Ssali was passionate about truth, accountability, and empowering Africa’s youth,” VOA said. “His impact on journalism will last for generations.”

- Advertisement -
lifestyle uganda adwords

He was recently honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Ugandan North American Association (UNAA) for amplifying African voices through media. During his acceptance speech, he dedicated the award to his hometown and thanked his family, friends, and even critics for shaping his career.

His signature phrases—”Get better, not bitter” and “Keep the African hope alive”—made him a beloved figure in African media.

In 2016, Ssali was flown in to moderate Uganda’s first-ever presidential debate. But the event became controversial when he was restricted to pre-approved questions with no room for follow-ups.

After retiring from Straight Talk Africa in 2021, he handed the show over to South African journalist Haydé Adams. The program, which he launched in 2000, remains one of VOA’s most influential, airing across Africa on TV and radio.

Ssali’s journey was one of resilience. Born in Kabale, he dropped out of school and joined the Uganda Army at 16. In 1974, after being linked to a failed coup against Idi Amin, he fled to Kenya and later to the U.S. Despite little formal education at the time, he worked his way up, eventually earning a PhD from UCLA in Cross-Cultural Communications and History.

- Advertisement -

A Ford Foundation Fellow and recipient of multiple awards, including a UN Peacekeeping Special Achievement Award in Journalism, Ssali used his platform to challenge leaders and mentor young African journalists.

For over two decades, he interviewed major figures like Uganda’s President Museveni, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe, and global icons like Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai and jazz legend Hugh Masekela.

- Advertisement -

Shaka Ssali’s passing marks the end of an era. His dedication to truth and storytelling shaped African journalism, and his influence will be felt for years to come.

Christopher Thomas: Princess Komuntale’s Ex-husband Is Dead
DJ Bush Baby, a trailblazer in East Africa’s urban music scene, has died at 50
Diamond Platnumz Is the Only East African Artist Nominated for the 2021 MTV EMA
Rwanda’s Trace Festival 2023: A Three-Day Celebration of Creativity, Music, and Culture
Diamond Platnumz, Harmonize New Song Kwangwaru Banned in Kenya – DETAILS

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.
I have read and agree to the terms & conditions
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp Reddit Email Copy Link
Share
BySsendaza Ismail
Staff Writer
Follow:
Am passionate blogger at Lifestyle Uganda, where i share the latest news and gossip on both local and international celebrities. With a keen eye for trends and a love for storytelling, i keep readers informed and entertained. Prior to blogging career, i served as a System Administrator at Pearl VoIP & 3G Telecommunications UK for 6 months, working as a remote Network Operations Center engineer (NOC). Feel free to reach out via WhatsApp +256753659743
Previous Article Veteran Journalist Shaka Ssali Dies in U.S. at 71
Next Article TECNO Unveils Camon 40 in Uganda, Features 50MP Camera, 5200mAh Battery

Stay Connected

45.2kFollowersLike
5.1kFollowersFollow
213FollowersPin
35.6kFollowersFollow
11kSubscribersSubscribe
400FollowersFollow
- Advertisement -

Latest News

Aisha Naluzze Batala to become one of Uganda’s top female anti-corruption leaders.
President Museveni fills vacant IGG post with High Court Judge Aisha Naluzze Batala
International News & Politics News
7th October 2025
Ugandan and Ethiopian beans challenge Indian coffee as global prices surge.
Uganda and Ethiopia gain edge amid soaring Indian coffee prices
Business International News & Politics
7th October 2025
EFT Corporation strengthens executive team with appointment of Adri Führi as CFO.
Adri Führi appointed EFT Corporation CFO, championing women in fintech
Business Money & Finance
7th October 2025
Uganda steps up AFCON 2027 plans as Lira stadium takes shape.
Uganda’s new Akii Bua Olympic Stadium reaches 25% completion ahead of 2027 Africa Cup of Nations
News Sports
4th October 2025
//

At Lifestyle Uganda, we inform, entertain, and inspire action through the content we create — empowering you to live a celebrity life.

Quick Link

  • Home
  • News
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Health & Living

Top Categories

  • About Us
  • Send a Tip
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

I have read and agree to the terms & conditions
Lifestyle UgandaLifestyle Uganda
Follow US
© 2025 Lifestyle Uganda. A Now & Entertainment Media Company. All Rights Reserved.
Join Us!
Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our latest news, podcasts etc..
I have read and agree to the terms & conditions
Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
adbanner
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?

Not a member? Sign Up