In a post shared on X, renowned Ugandan journalist Sudhir Byaruhanga, who is also said to be a distant relative of the late Ssali, wrote, “He had requested to be cremated and his ashes sent back home and to other countries in Africa.”

He further stated that the family will honor his request, with details of his sendoff services in Washington, D.C., and Uganda to be announced soon.

“We shall respect his wish, and soon, a date for his sendoff service in Washington, D.C., and Uganda will be communicated. #RIPShakaSsali,” Byaruhanga wrote.

For over two decades, his show, Straight Talk Africa, provided a vital platform for critical discourse, engaging African leaders and intellectuals while bridging the gap between the continent and the global stage.

His signature introduction, “I’m profoundly honored and exceedingly humbled,” along with his famous phrase, “Let’s keep the African hope alive,” became defining elements of his enduring legacy.

The remains of veteran journalist Shaka Ssali will be cremated in the US and his ashes will be sent to Uganda and other African countries in accordance with his final wish.