The Shaka Ssali cremation controversy has stirred emotional reactions across Uganda, especially within the Bakiga community. Friends and relatives of the late journalist are voicing deep dissatisfaction over the decision to cremate his remains, a move they say clashes with long-held cultural traditions.
For generations, the Bakiga have honored the deceased through burial ceremonies rich in ritual and collective mourning. Cremation, on the other hand, is largely foreign to their customs. According to community elders, this unfamiliar practice has left many struggling to reconcile Ssali’s wishes with cultural expectations.
Known worldwide for his brevity, professionalism, and impact on African journalism, Ssali is set to be cremated in Alexandria, Virginia, on April 5, 2025. The ceremony, limited to a few close friends and relatives, will mark the final farewell for the man behind Voice of America’s iconic program Straight Talk Africa.
Despite living in the U.S. for decades, Ssali hailed from the Batimbo clan, one of the prominent clans of the Bakiga people in Kabale District. His clan head, Mr. Alex Musherure, expressed the community’s distress. “We are ashamed to tell our people that there will be no burial service as is customary,” he said. “The decision to cremate has left us in a state of confusion.”
Similarly, Ms. Hellen Mushakamba, Ssali’s younger sister, confirmed that no traditional burial preparations had been initiated. However, she revealed that the family is working with former Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda to plan a memorial service in Uganda at a later date.
While the family honors Ssali’s request not to repatriate his body, the emotional toll of that decision continues to grow. Mr. Claude Zaribugyire, a childhood friend, reflected on their bond and the cultural disconnect of cremation. “It hurts to think my friend won’t receive a proper burial according to Bakiga tradition,” he said.
Zaribugyire also recalled memories from 1971, during Idi Amin’s regime, when Ssali hid in fear of political persecution. Even then, his passion for journalism remained strong. “He would request copies of the Argus newspaper while in hiding,” he said. Later, Ssali fled to the United States, where he pursued education and eventually earned a PhD in cross-cultural communication before joining Voice of America in 1986.
Another close companion, Mr. Peter Menex Ssebasaza, shared memories from their reunion seven years ago. He emphasized how deeply Ssali loved his home and people. “He cherished our homeland and proudly called himself the Kabale Kid on VOA,” Menex noted.
Born in Mwanjari, Southern Division of Kabale Municipality, Ssali reportedly chose cremation to avoid body repatriation. While this decision aligned with his personal preferences, it has left a cultural void among his community in Uganda.
Nevertheless, his legacy lives on. Shaka Ssali’s contributions to African journalism, his mentorship, and his enduring connection to both Uganda and the diaspora remain deeply appreciated. Even without a traditional burial, his story continues to inspire generations.
