By Badru Walusansa
It's Chinua Achebe who once said, "When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground." Indeed he was right, in Shaka Ssali, we lost a moving library with a broad spectrum of knowledge.
As a young man passionate about governance, I vividly recall my first encounter with Shaka Ssali’s segment on Voice of America (VOA). At the time, it aired on WBS TV before later shifting to NBS.
Shaka had a signature presence. His calm demeanor set him apart, despite his unparalleled acumen in dissecting Africa’s governance challenges. Unlike many of today’s show hosts, who often compete for airtime with their panelists, Shaka’s moderation put his guests at ease, allowing for meaningful discourse.
Beyond his intellectual brilliance, Shaka embodied simplicity. Despite his global stature, he remained deeply connected to his roots, often referring to himself as the "Kabale kid." And rightly so—he was arguably Kabale’s greatest export to international media.
One of my fondest memories of Shaka was his distinctive show intro: "I am profoundly honoured and exceedingly humbled to host so and so." This simple yet powerful phrase reflected his deep sense of humility. His outro, too, left a lasting impression: "Time isn’t a good ally. Get better, not bitter." That was Shaka for you—wise, composed, and always inspiring.
Throughout his career, he served Africa with his wit, composure, and thorough research. Whether hosting African presidents, ministers, or opposition figures, Shaka's passion for an African Renaissance was evident. He openly despised corrupt leaders and those with an insatiable thirst for power.
When duty called, Shaka answered. In 2016, Uganda made history by subjecting all its presidential candidates to a nationally televised debate. Among the moderators was Shaka Ssali, alongside BBC’s Allan Kasujja and Makerere University’s Dr. Nansozi Muwanga. Many Ugandans were thrilled to see his name on the list—a testament to the respect he commanded.
Another unforgettable moment was his final broadcast on VOA. For his ardent followers, it was an emotional farewell. As viewers from across the continent called in to express their gratitude, Shaka, ever composed, graciously received his flowers. Yet, his departure left a void—one that VOA has likely struggled to fill to this day.
As Shaka Ssali departs this world, we can say with certainty that he ran his race gracefully and left an indelible impact on many of us. His life is a testament to what is possible—that a "Kabale kid" or any child from humble beginnings can rise to greatness while remaining modest, astute, and productive.
Mr Badru Walusansa is a Political Analyst