The media world is mourning the loss of Shaka Ssali, a veteran Ugandan-American journalist and former host of Voice of America’s (VOA) acclaimed program Straight Talk Africa.

VOA confirmed his passing on March 27, 2025, though no official cause of death has been disclosed at this time. Sh

Shaka Ssali, widely regarded as a prodigy in broadcast journalism, passed away at the age of 71 leaving behind a legacy spanning nearly three decades of impactful reporting and storytelling.

VOA released a brief statement said, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Shaka Ssali, a true pioneer whose work touched countless lives. His legacy will endure through the stories he told and the journalists he inspired.”

Details regarding memorial arrangements or surviving family members have yet to be announced.

Ssali aka “The Kabale Kid” born in 1953, joined VOA in the early 1990s and became a household name as the host of Straight Talk Africa, a program that tackled pressing issues across the African continent with depth.

His distinctive voice and incisive interviews earned him a loyal audience and the respect of peers worldwide.

Born in Kabale district, Uganda, Ssali moved to the United States where he forged a remarkable career, blending his cultural roots with a global perspective bridging the gap between Africa and diaspora.

Apart from his on-air presence, Ssali was well known for mentoring young journalists and advocating for responsible reporting in an era of rampant misinformation.