Straight Talk Africa Host Shaka Ssali’s Ashes to Rest in Uganda and Beyond
Straight Talk Africa Host Shaka Ssali’s Ashes to Rest in Uganda and Beyond
BY: Mak Editor.
The family of the late Shaka Ssali, a former host of Voice of America’s Straight Talk Africa, has announced that his remains will be cremated, with his ashes to be sent to Uganda and other African countries, fulfilling his final wish.
Shaka Ssali passed away on March 27, 2025, at the age of 71 in Virginia, USA were he has been staying.
Born in Kabale, Uganda, he rose from humble beginnings to become an internationally recognized news reporter, the “Kabale Kid,” he hosted Straight Talk Africa from 2000 until his retirement in 2021 where he engaged African leaders, analysts, and citizens in critical discussions.
The decision to distribute his ashes across Uganda and other African nations shows Ssali’s deep connection to the continent.
Sudhir Byaruhanga, an NTV journalist shared the news via his social media, stating that Ssali requested to be cremated and his ashes sent back home and to other countries in Africa.
“He had requested to be cremated and his ashes sent back home and to other countries in Africa. We shall respect his wish, and soon, a date for his sendoff service in Washington, D.C., and Uganda will be communicated.” Sudhir wrote via X.