Shaka Ssali

Shaka Ssali
Shaka Ssali, host of Straight Talk Africa
Born	Turyagyenda Bernard (1953-04-09)April 9, 1953 Kabale District, Protectorate of Uganda
Died	March 27, 2025(2025-03-27) (aged 71) Virginia, U.S.
Nationality	Ugandan-American
Other names	Kabale Kid
Education	University of California, Los Angeles (BA, MA, PhD in Cross-Cultural Communications)
Alma mater	Kigezi College Butobere Kigezi Junior Secondary School Kikungiri Primary School
Occupation(s)	Journalist, Broadcaster, Media Personality
Years active	1980s–2021
Employer	Voice of America (VOA)
Known for	Host of Straight Talk Africa
Notable work	Straight Talk Africa
Parents	John Mushakamba (father) Joyce Mushakamba (mother)
Awards	UN Peacekeeping Special Achievement Award, Ford Foundation Fellow, UNAA Lifetime Achievement Award

Shaka Ssali (April 9, 1953 – March 27, 2025), also known as Kabale Kid, was a Ugandan-born American journalist best known as the host of Straight Talk Africa on the Voice of America's (VOA). He led the program for more than two decades, where he became recognized for facilitating discussions on democracy, governance, and development across Africa.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6]}

Ssali was born in Kabale District, Western Uganda. He attended Kikungiri Primary School, tand later studied at Kigezi High School. He joined Kigezi College Butobere for junior secondary education. In 1965, he enrolled at Kigezi College Butobere for senior secondary studies, where he excelled in soccer and athletics, including the 400-meter hurdles, triple jump, and 400-meter relay. ^[4][7]

His education was interrupted in the 1960s, leading him to leave school early.^[8] During this period, he enlisted in the Uganda People's Defence Force as a paratrooper. ^[1]

In 1976, Ssali moved to the United States looking for safety from Idi Amin’s oppressive regime.^[4] He later pursued higher education at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), earning bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in Cross-Cultural Communications.^[1][4][5][6]

Ssali began his broadcasting career at VOA as co-host of Africa World Tonight. In 2000, he became the founding host of Straight Talk Africa,^[5][6] a weekly talk show that featured African leaders, analysts, and citizens discussing political and social issues. ^[9][10] His signature opening phrase—“I’m profoundly honored and exceedingly humbled”—became closely associated with the program. ^[1][3][4]

Ssali retired from VOA in May 2021 but continued to mentor young journalists and participate in public speaking engagements. ^[1][11] He died on March 27, 2025, in Virginia, at the age of 71, following surgery.^{[1][2][3][12]}

In September 2024, the Ugandan North American Association (UNAA) presented Ssali with a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his contributions to African media. ^[13][4] In his acceptance speech, he dedicated the honor to the people of Kabale and acknowledged the support of his family, friends, and critics.

He was also a former Ford Foundation fellow and ra recipient of several awards, including the United Nations 'Peacekeeping Special Achievement Award in International Journalism. ^[1]

Ssali was regarded as a mentor to emerging journalists and a bridge between African leaders and the public. ^{[4] [14]} His promotion of open dialogue, commitment to press freedom, and advocacy for accountability left a lasting influence on African media and journalism.

• Shaka Ssali at IMDb