Shaka Ssali

Shaka Ssali is a Ugandan-born, American journalist who serves as host of "Straight Talk Africa," a weekly, live call-in talk show, simulcast on VOA television and radio. 

Ssali holds four university degrees, including a doctorate in cross cultural communication and history from UCLA. 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 Ssali’s alma mater.

During Ssali’s 16-year stint with VOA, he has interviewed and hosted more than 50 heads of state and government. He also has interviewed hundreds of newsmakers and policy makers who interact with Africa, including former U.N. Secretary Generals Kofi Annan and Butros Butros Ghali.