Uganda Diaspora Network honours late Shaka Ssali, celebrates global Ugandan excellence
Ssali has been recognised for his enduring contribution to Uganda, Africa and global journalism, peace and development.
Kisembo (Left) addressing guests after receiving his award. Looking on are Kigozi (center) and Katureebe (Left). (Photo by John Odyek)
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The Uganda Diaspora Network (UDN), together with friends in Kampala city, has honoured the life and legacy of deceased, renowned Straight Talk Africa host and former Voice of America’s English to Africa service managing editor Shaka Ssali.
Ssali has been recognised for his enduring contribution to Uganda, Africa and global journalism, peace and development.
The tribute was held during the 15th Annual Uganda Diaspora Homecoming Gala Dinner 2025, the Sheraton Kampala Hotel on December 30, 2025. The event brought together Ugandans from across the world to celebrate excellence, service and impact.
In addition to the posthumous recognition of Ssali, the Network honoured several distinguished Ugandans in the diaspora for their professional achievements and service to society, included United States Coast Guard officer Simon Sekitoleko, aviation expert working with Boeing Hamza Bunnya and finance professional Lilliane Rumanyika. Others were Dr Michael Kisembo, a university lecturer in finance and accounting in the United States and tax advisor; Juliet Mugambwa, a United Nations official; and Livingstone Kyeyune, the co-founder of the Uganda Diaspora Japan.
Speaking at the event, Uganda Diaspora Network founder Ronnie Mayanja, said Shaka Ssali’s legacy continues to inspire many across generations.
“We posthumously honour our dear friend and mentor, Shaka Ssali. His award will be received by his sister,” Mayanja said. He added that Ugandans should learn to celebrate people for their impact while they are still alive.
Ssali passed away on March 26, 2024, after a battle with cancer. In line with his wishes, his remains were cremated in April in Alexandria, Virginia. He was widely respected for mentoring young journalists and encouraging authenticity, integrity and genuine success.
Mayanja noted that Ssali often observed that celebrating the success of others was uncommon in Uganda, yet essential for national progress.
Dr Maggie Kigozi, the patron of the Uganda Diaspora Network, thanked the Ugandan diaspora for their contribution to the country’s economy through remittances.
“Remittances stood at $1.4 billion (sh5,072 trillion) in 2024, accounting for about 3 percent of GDP and remaining one of Uganda’s leading sources of foreign exchange,” Kigozi said.
She added that remittances support household welfare, health, education, small business development, gender equality and housing construction. Kigozi encouraged diaspora Ugandans to invest back home and leverage technology to manage their businesses remotely.
Ambassador Philip Tayebwa Katureebe, the deputy head of mission at the Embassy of Uganda in Washington, DC, said Ugandans abroad have become effective ambassadors for their country.
“Uganda’s diaspora are strong partners in national development and have made significant contributions to the country’s gains,” Katureebe said.
Award recipient Lilliane Rumanyika urged Ugandans abroad to turn global exposure into meaningful impact at home, while Dr Michael Kisembo emphasised the importance of translating personal achievements into benefits for others.
Simon Sekitoleko encouraged Ugandans to define success by the lives they touch rather than material wealth, while Hamza Bunnya attributed his success to strong family values, culture, and integrity. He noted that skills development begins with nurturing children and pledged support toward strengthening Uganda Airlines’ fleet with Boeing aircraft.
Kyeyune addressing guests after being recognized for his contribution to the Uganda Diaspora Japan and its support to boosting relations between the two countries. (Photo by John Odyek)
Livingstone Kyeyune highlighted the work of Uganda Diaspora Japan in promoting tourism and supporting education and water projects. Over the past five years, the organization has facilitated the construction of 20 water boreholes in districts including Kasanda, Gulu, Kiboga, Mubende, Luwero, Fort Portal, and Wakiso, targeting communities without access to safe drinking water.
The gala underscored the growing role of Uganda’s diaspora in national development while honouring individuals whose lives exemplify service, leadership, and global impact.