The Origin of The Name Shaka Ssali: A Tribute from Uganda
Dr. shaka Ssali derived his name Shaka, from his Mukiga father's name Mushakamba and the Baganda name from the Nkima (Monkey) clan Ssali, from a Muganda clinician Ezekiel Ssali from whose clinic he was born
Uganda Today Edition: The Origin of The Name Shaka Ssali: A Tribute from Uganda
By Joy Bongyereire
Dr. Shaka Ssali, a household name in African journalism, carried a name steeped in history and personal heritage. His name, a blend of cultural significance and personal legacy, tells the story of his roots and the profound impact of those who came before him.
Shaka Ssali was born in Kabale, Uganda, at a clinic owned by Dr. Ezekiel Ssali, a Muganda medical practitioner. Dr. Ssali was not just a doctor; he came from a lineage of reverence, as his father was a pioneering Protestant clergy at Rugarama in Kabale. The name “Ssali” was passed down from this religious patriarch, forever intertwining Shaka Ssali with the legacy of one of Uganda’s earliest Christian leaders.
The name “Shaka” is extracted from “Mushakamba,” his father’s name, further connecting him to his ancestral lineage. In African tradition, names are more than mere identifiers; they are a reflection of one’s heritage, values, and personal journey. In carrying these names, Shaka Ssali embodied the deep cultural history of his family while carving his own path in global journalism.
His journey from Kabale to the global stage as the host of Straight Talk Africa showcased his resilience, intellect, and authenticity. While he soared to international prominence, he never detached himself from his origins, always identifying as a proud son of Kabale, carrying the weight of his ancestors with dignity and honor.
15 Minutes of Fame with Dr. Shaka Ssali as He Exited VOA
By Friday Rwamahe
At exactly 21:00 hours, my smartphone vibrated. The calling number had the code +1 202… I hesitated but picked up. The deep African voice on the other end was unmistakable.
“Hello, Generali (General) without a standing army, Friday Rwamahe.”
“Yes, Sir Shaka Ssali, a Doctor without a clinic but with a global pulpit, pulling people from the pit or mud of corruption and dictatorship…”
“Hold on, please, General,” he interrupted with his characteristic humor. “The last time I checked, I’ve never been a ‘Sir.’ I don’t intend to be one, and I will never be one. That salutation belongs to the Prince of England.”
Then came the announcement that stunned me. “I am retiring from VOA’s Straight Talk Africa and Shaka’s Extra Time on Facebook… I’ve done my best, and I want to hand over my baton to someone else, especially the young generation, to stand on my shoulders and see further than I did. Time is not my best ally; everything has an expiration date.”
For the first 30 seconds, I was speechless. Then I found my voice. “Why retire when you are still loved by many?”
His response was profound: “Ndugu General, knowing when and why to walk away is wisdom, and being able to do so is courage. Walking away with your head held high is dignity. I am exceedingly humbled and profoundly honored to retire at this point in time.”
I then asked about the secret to his success. He replied, “I remained simple, easy, and authentic without camouflaging to Western style. I stayed true to myself, my accent, and my roots. But most importantly, before any show, I did three things: research, research, and research. That made me confident to ask any question with authority.”
As our conversation neared its end, I told him, “So, you are now free!”
He chuckled. “Well, man is born free, but he is everywhere in chains. I’ve finished one of my assignments, but as Madiba would say, there are many more mountains ahead to climb. What counts in one’s life is not merely living but the difference or impact we make. I have impacted many, and I’ll continue to impact the young generation hereafter.”
Dr. Shaka Ssali spent 29 years at Voice of America, with 20 years as the face of Straight Talk Africa. His incisive and fearless approach to interviewing African leaders made him a legend. His roster of interviewees included Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, Nelson Mandela, Kenneth Kaunda, Jerry John Rawlings, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Paul Kagame, Mobutu Sese Seko, Sani Abacha, Daniel Arap Moi, Robert Mugabe, and Ugandan politicians like John Patrick Amama Mbabazi, Kizza Besigye, and Bobi Wine. He also hosted business moguls like veteran Gordon Wavvamunno and many of these figures found themselves in the proverbial “hot seat” during his interviews, nearly jumping out as if escaping a furnace without an exit!
Dr. Shaka Ssali was a force to reckon with—a journalist who possessed a razor-sharp intellect and an encyclopedic knowledge of African affairs. To step into his studio unprepared was to suffer from what he called “intellectual kwashiorkor.”
Despite his towering presence in global media, he remained deeply connected to his roots in Kabale. He often referred to himself as the “Kabale kid,” embracing the wisdom of Okot p’Bitek’s words: An old pumpkin in an old homestead must not be uprooted. East or West, home is best!
His legacy will live on through the countless journalists he inspired and the audiences he empowered with knowledge. A man of deep intellect and unwavering integrity, Shaka Ssali leaves behind an indelible mark on journalism and African discourse.
Dr. Shaka Ssali, the son of Mushakamba and Omutimbo by clan, may be gone, but his voice will forever echo across the African continent.
Rest in peace, our fearless son of Kabale. Amaragane gariza kwonka, Rukundo eguma omunda!
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