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The cremation and public viewing of veteran journalist Dr. Shaka Ssali will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Jefferson Funeral Chapel, 5755 Castlewellan Dr. Alexandria, VA 22315.
This was confirmed by NTV Uganda journalist Sudhir Byaruhanga, a relative of the deceased.
"Family, friends, and well-wishers are invited to pay their respects and celebrate his life," Byaruhanga shared on X.
After the cremation, Ssali’s ashes will be sent to Uganda and other African nations, fulfilling his final wish.
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Dr. Shaka Ssali, a respected host of VOA’s Straight Talk Africa, passed away at the age of 71, just two weeks before his 72nd birthday. For over 20 years, he hosted the show, interviewing African leaders, analysts, and citizens on vital topics such as democracy, governance, and development.
Ssali, a passionate advocate for press freedom, was admired across Africa and beyond for his unique interviewing style.
Born in Kabale, Uganda, Shaka Ssali was dedicated to truth and accountability. His work inspired many young Africans and contributed to shaping important conversations on the continent’s key issues.
Though family, friends, and millions of his followers will mourn his loss, his legacy in African journalism and public discourse will continue to influence future generations.
Ssali began his career at VOA, co-hosting Africa World Tonight, before taking over as host of Straight Talk Africa in 2000.