Shaka, a Ugandan born American journalist, holds a doctorate in cross cultural communication and history from UCLA in California. He is a former Ford Foundation Fellow and has received numerous honors, including a United Nations Peacekeeping Special Achievement Award in International Journalism. Other awards include VOA’s Best Journalist Award and Kigezi College Butobere’s first ever Highest Achievement Award in International Human Communication. Butobere is located in Kabale, southwestern Uganda, and is Shaka’s alma mater.
Straight Talk Africa is broadcast live every Wednesday from 1830-1930 UTC/GMT simultaneously on radio, television and the Internet.
During his career, Shaka has interviewed and hosted many presidents and prime ministers. Among them: General Olusegun Obasanjo, Former President, Nigeria; Levy Patrick Mwanawasa; Former President, Zambia; Tony Blair, Former Prime Minister, United Kingdom; Botswana President Seretse Khama Ian Khama; Ghana President John Evans Atta Mills; Tanzania President Jakaya Kikwete; Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President, Liberia; Hifikepunye Pohamba, President, Namibia; Uganda President Yoweri Museveni; Joseph Kabila, President, DRC; Rwanda President Paul Kagame; and General Salva Kiir, First Vice President, and president of the government of Southern Sudan.
He has also hosted newsmakers and policy makers who interact with Africa, including: Norbert Mao, President, Uganda Democratic Party; Johnnie Carson, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs; Donald Yamamoto, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs; Donald Kaberuka, President, African Development Bank; South African jazz legend Hugh Masekela; Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai; Luis Moreno-Ocampo, Chief Prosecutor, International Criminal Court; Mo Ibrahim, Chairman Mo Ibrahim Foundation; Nobel Literature laureate Wole Soyinka; Professor Muna Ndulo, Cornell Law School; Professor Ali Mazrui, SUNY; Professor George Ayittey, American University; Professor Sulayman Nyang, Howard University; Uganda Supreme Court Justice George Kanyeihamba; Dr. Rebecca Nyandeing de Mabior, a Southern Sudan government official and widow of former SPLA leader Dr. John Garang; Jeff Sharlet, author, The Family; Bob Hunter, Associate, Fellowship Foundation; Mbulelo Rakwena, former South African Ambassador to Brazil; Baffour Ankomah, Editor, NewAfrican magazine.
The Uganda Diaspora Network is a forum aimed at bringing together Ugandans who live and work abroad by celebrating their contributions overseas and also encouraging them to give of their time, talents, ideas and expertise whilst inspiring the next generation of Ugandan leaders. Every year the Ugandan Diaspora Network will organize an annual Social Networking Gala and will also produce a quarterly publication highlighting the successes of the various Ugandans residing overseas. Please send us those inspirational stories and philanthropic work involving Ugandans abroad. We shall share these stories using this platform that is rapidly growing and expanding. The Next Diaspora Social Networking Gala will be Held on 30th December 2016 at The Kampala Serena Hotel.
Dr. Shaka happens to be my icon in the world for he has tried to shape the globe by promoting interaction between Africa and the lest of the world. Am really looking up to him as the next Martin LUTHER.
is my I con and roll model
sir, i appreciate the great job you are doing,it is pretty interesting.I always listen to your show a bout( straight talk Africa) over the radio, it is rill very enjoyable,you are hosting a lot of very important persons,that shows your potential, and confidentiality. So,it is nice to be in A America for and encourage you to keep up.Other wise wish you a long live in America.
hello shaka ssali,i had been waiting for this moment for so long since 1998,iam one among millions of young africans who listing your voice via their small two small batery radio’s ina small village inside a small hat room,but iam today oppotuined to see your face on the internet,thank god mr. shaka ssali
Always the best
hullo, its great to know such people like you are out there trying to show what Uganda is exactly and above all raise our flags up…Thanks for the big work.
Hello Shaka, I always see you on the VOA Programme in Uganda on WBS TV, tackling Africa’s Political -Social Problems. thanks for rendering us a service even while in the Diaspora, hope all goes well with you. However , I thought since you are in a media fraternity, you could be of help. Is there a Ugandan in the Diaspora who would be interested in buying a existing FM Radio in the Middle of Kampala on 103.4 MHz? Cost is $250,000.00. Call back on +256 702 324 406
The hope that is raised in the cieldrhn’s lives as they see someone giving them school supplies, smiling at them, carrying them is indescribable. Thank you all Michael, Terry, Trina, Elizabeth, Janat and Asia for ensuring that the dreams of these cieldrhn stay alive. I know that for a fact.
Shaka you are my inspirational figure ., i do like to listen your show whether TV or listern to the radio you are so potentia Shaka keep it up
Shaka… Hi. i am one of your ardent followers but with a difference; I seem to consider you as a person specialized or can i call it assigned, to make Uganda look so bad in the eyes of an ignorant or a bad wisher of Uganda, you have given your global audience the impression that Uganda is horrible or possibly a gory dictatorship. you deliberately forget where we have come from as country, and the ‘tolerance with responsibility’ culture, that we are meticulously building under the able leadership of Yoweri Museveni. You seem so obsessed with Dr Besigye whom you have helped to masquerade as a democrat; this is a man who is so intolerant that whenever there is a semblance of political sanity in the country he hits the road with his antics. This is a man who ordered his supporters not to buy any news paper that writes unfavorably about him [have you ever heard of press freedom?], a man who could not respect the guests of the state when he blocked the heads of states leaving for their respective countries after the swearing in of the new president whose victory he could not legitimately contest Since you have portrayed Uganda as a dictatorship and you seem to have successfully portrayed our country as such; how come Besigye is engaged in successful businesses in Uganda, how about the opposition members who are among the most free, economically sound, they appear on all local radio and TV stations insulting the person of the president with impunity, and of course getting away with it, this is unprecedented in Uganda Mr Shaka. You seem so obsessed with Ghana that even when it swears in a president who is contested you portray that as mature democracy and an example to be emulated by other African countries; yet in Uganda constitutionally a president is sworn in after 30 days to ensure that any query about his election is cleared before he/she is installed as a president. In Uganda many politicians have successfully or unsuccessfully challenged electoral results in the courts of law, and come out satisfied with the verdict – this too is unprecedented Dr Shaka . You are so bent on term limits as if they are a magic bullet to all political ills; what happened in Kenya 2007/8? was there no term limits?, aren’t you aware that term limit in your foster country was introduced not by the people but by the greedy political aristocracy – by the way doctor, are you aware that the USA is a modern day oligarchy run by aristocrats and a tutelary democracy?………….i can go ranting on and on but…. ‘olupapula si mupiira’
Finally Shaka, what i beg of you is to look at Uganda’s political metamorphosis within a context and to know that it took the USA over 100 years to practice bonafide democracy, yet all along it was masquerading as a democracy….Let Uganda too cultivate its customized democracy without foreign interference just like the USA did…..PLEASE LIVE AND LET LIVE…… for God and my country
Your comment. Shaka i appriciate your effort to make Africa better but i think you should not be too biast of African leaders instead appriciate their achivements and also call upon USA to stop interfering in our politics because we not interfering in theirs wish you the best
musoga ..i see you are frudently and immensely not ugandan wth a differnce as u seem to articulate in uo lines above.but wat shaka shows about uganda is d truth..nthng bt the truth that we ..me n u know off..are we better off in tht situation..come on n see your intellect beyond marginalisation…i really get mesmerised wen u say shaka is obssesed wd besigye..it shows u how naive you are..we are headed to the polls tommorow..but look at you good regime..dnt blame shaka for his bravery and urge to see the political turmoil n impunity exposed ..than you.anonymus
Your comment..its a great time whenever i watch on television
What Mr.Shaka SAYS is exactly true.we dont have democracy in Uganda.though you try to high light some Ideas, it only shows that you support our “poor” government leadership
Dat z like making a bible. Too wordy wat z bad will remain bad. No matter done by who!
I appreciate the work you are doing Mr Shaka, I always listen to your show about Africa, am a Ugandan from Kabale and i cant miss your programmes . I like it when you are talking about my country uganda, keep it up. Barham University
Thank you so much shaka,my fello Musiniya,thank you for bringing close the global issues and helping us listen to urbanisation ideas among others.
iam very much pleased with shaka activities on VOA but im concerned with one interesting issue how much have you prepared people like you . very enchanting , vision clear and afro-centric minded
i love this man shaka of VOA because of his encuraging word to the world i wish to see him one day physically and share with him some important issues for betterment of my life.am ayoung journalist from hoima working on radio spice fm hoima uganda
Hi mr.ssali,i am a Registered Nurse,is it possible to get a job that side,please i beg u help me if possible,i wil be very greatful.thx.
Hi mr.ssali,i am a Registered Nurse,is it possible to get a job that side,please i beg u help me if possible,i wil be very greatful.thx. Contacts,0702344448,0776344448
Hello i have appreciated you work realy yo have presented our nation world wide. am sure we all desire to be like you but the most important thing that i would like you to do for me is to design aprogramme about NRM factionaries and MUsevenis future
Hi Shaka,thanks man for enlightening the world and exposing the dirt among many leaders on the shows you host …as one African proverb goes that “…its the wizards who fear daylight…” many of our very own leaders shudder at your shows, but most importantly thanks inspiring us to keep the African hopes …awake!
Dear Shaka. we are proud of you. Your presence in international media has put Kigezi region and Uganda in general on the world map. With great sincerity i would like to thank you very much for the work well done in the political talk shows . Thank you once again
i feel like participating in your shows but on phone , what is the procedeer
Shaka im a lecturer at Kampala international University , i normally interact with people that seem to have liberated minds on international affairs while travelling to kabale and more especially in kings and manihatan hotels . there is a growing concern that china is at the helm of overtaking the united states in economic affairs after decades of the demise of pro-west and pro-east polarisation of the world . then such a gap makes us to pity ourselves and more especially our leaders on the notion of sense of direction . so our beloved brother whom we strongly believe to have a wider binoculars , please put more light on that in any of your discussions .
Hello to all, it’s genuinely a nice for me to pay a visit this site, it consists of valuable Information.
Dear shaka, you have been among the journalist that made ma happy whenever I watch VOA. Your the grate man.
Mr Shaka you are a great man. You are my idol. I live in UK and I enjoy watching VOA on my television. My God bless you and your family
I am pleased with your interviews and conversation with Africans all over the world be blessed
Shaka your interview with Mbabazi was spot on. You looked distiguished very impressive! Iloved it
Dr. Shaka, a well accomplished and inspirational journalist who happens to be an epitome of many myself inclusive. Go on rising high the Uganda’s Flag and always make the black race genius. Remember ” Gatagata munonga gatebirwe owabeene mbeho”
shakka sali is african ambassador outside (diasora)
shaka,you are really a great man,you always inspire alot of people to follow your way.Ask God to always protect you and keep you safe because you are a very peaceful man.May you live longer..
Thanks to God for always protecting Dr Shaka. Though ” Sacked democrasy” in many African Countries is still a blockage to your inevitable role as witnessed recently with an intellectual in-look at a Presidential debate, remember your are a Blessing to Africa. It is more painful to abandon a life time call than do it within limitation(s). Warm Greetings! Aron, Uganda.
Lets consider the people not individuals in order to have a clear picture of Ugandan leadership. I mean the few “agents, mind-pocketed” doing well should not make us forget the poor, marginalised, made poor women, orphans, inequitable education and health services in Uganda to have the majority blind-folded!
I would like to thank shaka for his recent ugandan visit
I have followed you Dr. Shaka since my childhood I can say you inspire me. Though is disappointed when you were restricted not to screw Mr. Museveni during #UgDebate16
Thankx Shaka For Your Courage Especially Handling African Issues! But Was Disappointed By Your Moderation In Uganda’s Presidential Debate! Having Been Restricted From Interogating Mr Museven, With drawing From Moderation Would Have Been The Best Option To me.
Thanks Dr. Shaka for your visit in Uganda, I listened to your interview with Simeon Kashatta on Capital FM Talent Desert Dicks on Sunday 21 Feb 16, your are very inspirational.
Shaka, l really appreciate the work you are doing especially concerning the politics of our home country Uganda,please keep it up. may the lord empower you more.
Thanks Our Man Dr Shaka.Keep The Fire Burning.
Shaka im real grateful of ICC objectives and mission in bringing justice to the voiceless around the world . however the act of being colour- blind to acts of world class politicians to me leaves a question mark. is it genetic principle of predestination that African heads of states and some other weak say European states that deserve this ? . When shall we see people from first world countries face the same treatment ?
Shaka im real grateful of ICC objectives and mission in bringing justice to the voiceless around the world . however the act of being colour- blind to acts of world class politicians to me leaves a question mark. is it genetic principle of predestination that African heads of states and some other weak say European states that deserve this ? . When shall we see people from first world countries face the same treatment ? – See more at: http://www.ugandandiaspora.com/ugandan-journalist-shaka-ssali-host-of-voas-straight-talk-africa?c=y#sthash.4N1cf3Gx.dpuf
You are not on air some time now. Dr shake ssali i ask for you make communication to me . Regards Noah
Ask for an interview on the role of democracy in Rwanda reconcilation ,security ,strategic standing of the country …I am 47 years Rwandese national ,medical doctor who studied in mozambique ,Rwanda states universities ….I am a writer .< Politics in Rwanda as unusual in ACADEMIA …I ask for VOA to host me since is committed to democracy …you can send me your email so that I shall share with you the content of my topic
Thanks
Dr Jean Claude NZABONITEGEKA Nairobi Kenya
shaka thank you for whatever your doing but even in Mathew 12:36 says on the day of judgement everyone will have to give an account of the useless word he or she has ever spoken they will declare you either guilty or innocent. proceed with your games to shape your own future but mind you Uganda is our country. I want to ask you, your blaming our leaders mostly our President what have you done for Uganda? to show justice even you don’t know where Uganda came from we cannot have regime without a History NRM has shown history to every citizens.
Thank you mr.Shaka for the work you do.we always listen to you here in kabale-your motherland. NIWAGABA MACKLY-KABALE UNIVERSITY
Dr. Shaka Ssali is an inspiration, a rock, a bridge built where there was a boundary, an eye, a voice and a vision that connects people from different horizons with different perceptions to believe, conceive and achieve.
I ask ndugu Shaka to prepare a motion and host a program on THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AFRICAN AMERICANS AND TYPICAL AFRICANS.
I advise you to invite main speakers from the two sides.
I am very eager to share my views because I find that the two sides are not in good terms.
Shaka,i am very proud of you because i am your regular listener of a programed straight talk Africa. The programme is inspiring ,educative and encouraging. As you are passionate about Africa’s development we assure you that we the youth of Africa will never let you down. Continue with your Good work Skye is our limit sir, Thank you and God bless you and your family.CHOLLI DAUDA BALNA.
Mr.shaka,l first appreciate your work:,we have never missed the programme(straight talk africa) at our our homeland..
Kudos Saka Ssali. We love you brodaman.
Your comment.. I am a mature lady from Uganda and want Mr Shaka Ssalis email address at VOA.Thanks
I LIKE TOURING
Your comment..I’m ever following your beautiful shows since my child hood I was encouraged by late father who dearly told me that you are a few of Ugandans that I should keep following and gave me the motivation love becoming a journalist which I think will be lasting profession
Am Julius from Uganda country Africa and I have been following your shows on straight talk Africa, here we miss you #Shaka ssalis,,,l was told that you are mukyiga from #kabale district which is interesting for our area kabale village. My OB at butobire college in kigezi We love you!!! #shaka ssalis
i will one time met u our revolutionist Mr shaka here in Uganda and we love you so much.
Hi Ssali, Iam Eki Pato A Ugandan! I Wish You Could Fix Another Day To Host Our Mp Robert Kyagulanyi S, Such Tht Ugandan Get Hear Frm The Mp Hw He Was Totured.
Am the High Commissioner of Uganda to Canada and I would you to host me on straight talk Africa about the current situation .Please contact me at your convenience. Thanks again
Shaka Ssali,Hi I’am Kuany Jacob South Sudanese, who time spoke to while I was still in Makerere University,Currently I’m in South Sudan in particular Jonglei State-Bor.I still enjoy your straight talk Africa. My contact: +211 928884772/ 914453545
It is long time since 2006 we last spoke on phone .remember the time you interview Sudan Ambassador to USA a Chuluk for ethnic.That was before referendum of South Sudan,That day I requested you to sent me tape for interviews.
I have been fortunate enough to stumble on this website. I am a retired – but still requied clergyman in theDiocese of Kigezi. I read Theology at Wyclife Hall, The University of Oxford, And Human Communication Practice, The University of Wales, Cardiff, UK I will keep reading the posts. Thank you. Do you have a Chaplain of Ugandans in the Diaspora. In case you don’t have one would it be of any harm for me to become one. I am 65 years Rev. Canon Peter Rwabyoma
Peter, I’m try to contact you. Will this work?! Greetings, brother!
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Shaka is really an inspiration icon to the whole of Africa especially Uganda, may Allah reward him abundantly for his endless efforts to connect Africa to the rest of the world.
Certainly shaka is Among Giants African journalist most defendable and reliable media VOA more wisdom’s
I would like to inform Mr., Dr.SHAKA SSALI that come 2025 and we vote u as uganda’s president please stop hiding in USA when u can help ur people #shaka #ugandan next #president 2026 please😢😢😢 come back home u can make
Have a poem to share. Is this the right fora??
Доброго времени суток,
Нашел профи автосервис по обслуживанию своего автомобиля по Одессе..
с карбюратора на инжектор ваз 2109
Выполнили свою работу быстро!! Отличный автосервис ORANGE-AUTO в Одессе..
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