TUKO.co.ke journalist Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya

The African journalism fraternity is in mourning following the passing of veteran Ugandan journalist and broadcaster Shaka Ssali.

Ssali was best known as the longtime host of Straight Talk Africa show on Voice of America (VOA). He died on Thursday, March 27, in the United States after undergoing surgery for an undisclosed ailment.

His death comes just weeks before his 72nd birthday and has triggered an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, admirers, and political leaders across the continent.

For over two decades, Ssali was a towering figure in African journalism, using his platform to dissect pressing issues such as governance, corruption, human rights, and democracy.

His incisive interviews and fearless discussions challenged leaders while empowering citizens with information. Ssali was known for his wit, humour, and intellectual curiosity, and built a reputation as a journalist who could engage with anyone, from heads of state to ordinary citizens.

Born in Kabale, Uganda, Ssali pursued academic excellence, earning a doctorate in cross-cultural communication from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

His journalism career began in the 1970s in Uganda, where he worked as a reporter and editor before joining VOA in 1994. In August 2000, he launched Straight Talk Africa, an hour-long talk show that became a respected platform for analysing African affairs.

Ssali remained at the helm of the show until his retirement in May 2021, leaving behind a rich legacy in global journalism.

In 2016, he was selected one of three moderators for the Ugandan presidential debate. Throughout his career, he received multiple accolades for his contributions to journalism, mentoring many young journalists and advocating for press freedom.

Following the news of his passing, tributes flooded in from political figures and media personalities worldwide.

Former Ugandan prime minister Ruhakana Rugunda reminisced about their youthful days in Kabale, describing Ssali as a passionate advocate for African and global issues.

"He was passionate about African and Global issues. He made an enormous contribution in the media world, especially in presenting African causes on Voice of America," Rugunda wrote.

Buganda Kingdom Premier Charles Peter Mayiga hailed him as "an accomplished journalist and proud son of Uganda," while Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine called him a “giant” in the field, wishing him eternal peace.

National Unity Platform (NUP) Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya praised his commitment to human rights and good governance. Ronald Muhinda, an aide to opposition leader Kizza Besigye, also commended Ssali for giving African opposition voices a global platform.

Ironically, Ssali’s death coincides with the controversial closure of Voice of America.

VOA ceased operations following an executive order from the President Donald Trump administration, which dismantled its parent organisation, the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM).

The move, framed as a cost-cutting measure, has sparked legal challenges from journalists and media rights advocates, who argue that it violates press freedom and silences a crucial source of independent news for over 300 million global viewers and listeners.

Source: TUKO.co.ke