Rwanda: High-impact investigative journalism celebrates success

19/12/2023

An innovative investigative training programme for Rwandan journalists has resulted in the publication of 15 impactful stories which have prompted widespread changes in the country.

One report into overcrowding in prisons accelerated judicial reform whilst an investigation into the safety of meat led to a public inquiry. A further investigation exposed how a multi-million pound irrigation scheme in Rwanda risks failure after money went missing.

These stories not only contribute to a more informed public but also serve as a testament to the effectiveness of empowering journalists with the necessary skills and resources. Here are some of the success stories in more detail.

Investigative journalist John-Allan Namu leads a training session

Overcrowding in Rwandan prisons

Fulgence Niyonagize, a freelance journalist at Pax Press, delved into the issue of overcrowding in Rwandan prisons which ranks the second highest in the world after the United States.

Fulgences investigation revealed that a major contributing factor is the practice of detention without trial. The report also shed light on the broader societal impact by exposing the economic repercussions faced by the families of those incarcerated.

In response to the expos , the judiciary pledged to expedite crucial judicial reforms aimed at addressing the overcrowding crisis. One significant proposal involves providing alternative sentences to imprisonment, especially in cases where the offender poses no serious risk to the public and is amenable to rehabilitative or therapeutic interventions.

I developed a profound understanding of the pivotal role that investigative stories play in identifying solutions in society

Emmanuel Dushimimana Ngabo

Safety of meat consumed by the public Its a testament to the impact of quality journalism training that the Rwandan government opened a public inquiry into the safety of meat for public consumption after an investigation by Emmanuel Dushimimana Ngabo, a journalist at Isangano Community Radio in Rwanda.

I developed a profound understanding of the pivotal role that investigative stories play in identifying solutions for our society, says Emmanuel, who credits Thomson Foundation for providing him with advanced skills in investigative reporting.

After the publication of his groundbreaking story into claims that farmers were using HIV medication (ARVs) to fatten animals, the Rwandan parliament launched a public inquiry on October 17, 2023.

Ministers including the ministers of trade and local government were summoned to address the pressing issues raised in Emmanuel's report with parliament actively seeking solutions to ensure the safety of publicly available meat.

The training opened up many opportunities for me to enhance my skills

Nadine Umuhoza

Future of irrigation scheme I have gained more knowledge in investigative storytelling, says Nadine Umuhoza, a journalist at Bridge Rwanda Magazine. Her story showed how a multi-million irrigation scheme in Rwanda risked failure after millions of francs meant for the maintenance of irrigation equipment went missing, jeopardising the livelihoods of numerous farmers.

This training opened up many opportunities for me to enhance my skills because I was also selected to attend a training on investigating financial environmental crimes in Naivasha, Kenya, she adds. I am grateful to Legal Aid Forum, Thomson Foundation, and the US Embassy in Rwanda for their support, which has motivated me to focus my work on investigative stories projects.

First-class training The year-long programme run by Thomson Foundation and our local partner The Legal Aid Forum was supported by the US Embassy in Rwanda. It equipped journalists with robust investigative journalism skills and a comprehensive understanding of the profession, enabling them to produce public interest, reliable, impartial, and wide-reaching content.

The objective of the training was to ensure this cohort of Rwandan journalists began to familiarise themselves with the basic principles of investigative journalism, says John-Allan Namu, a renowned Kenya-based investigative journalist who was the lead trainer.

John-Allan Namu

The training was not highly technical, rather, it focused on ensuring that journalists have a more complete understanding of their profession and its evolving role in the public space, he adds.

To encourage collaboration among journalists, the programme provided story production grants, creating opportunities to address the most pressing issues facing Rwanda.

Crucially, the programme also extended free legal support to journalists working in the country, ensuring they receive assistance in the event of legal challenges or prosecution relating to their work. It's hoped this commitment will contribute to fostering an environment where journalists can fearlessly pursue investigative journalism.

Global exposure for outstanding journalists The selection of Fulgence Niyonagize, Emmanuel Dushimimana Ngabo, and Yvonne Mutatsineza to attend this year's Global Investigative Journalism Conference in Sweden is a testament to their outstanding work and the success of the programme in identifying and nurturing talent.

The programme also showcases the potential for transformative change when media professionals are equipped with the right skills and knowledge to tackle complex issues. The impact of these investigative stories is expected to resonate not only locally, but also on a broader scale, contributing to the global conversation on responsible journalism.

More great journalism

Investigative journalism exposes new scandals

Backing brave journalism in challenging places

Yara El Murr is Young Journalist of the Year 2023

Berna Namata Editorial Associate

Berna is Thomson Foundations Rwanda and Central Africa specialist.

Ex

LINK:	http://www.thomsonfoundation.org/latest/rwanda-high-impact-investigati...
	See more stories from thompsonfoundation

Most recent headlines

05/01/2027

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be demoed at CES 2026

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...

01/06/2026

Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026

January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026 Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...

02/05/2026

Dalet Flex LTS Delivers Smarter Search, Faster Editing, and an AI-Ready Foundation for Modern Media

Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...

01/05/2026

NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to Integrate Dolby's Full Suite of Premium Picture and Sound Innovations

January 5 2026, 18:30 (PST) NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to ...

01/04/2026

DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION

January 4 2026, 18:00 (PST) DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION Douyin Users Can Now Create And Share Videos With Stun...

19/03/2026

How Chris Bolte Builds the Sound of PlayStation Games

How Chris Bolte Builds the Sound of PlayStation Games Chris Bolte '16 is a technical sound designer at Sucker Punch Productions, where he helps create the...

18/03/2026

Net Insight Names Larissa GrnerMeeus CPO

Newly named chief product officer (CPO), Larissa G rner Meeus will return to Net Insight on May 4. Larissa G rner Meeus will become CPO of Net Insight on May 4...

18/03/2026

SVG Europe's The Football Summit 2026: Select Sessions Now Available to Watch on SVG PLAY

SVG Europe's The Football Summit 2026 explored how the sports broadcasting i...

18/03/2026

SVG's SportsTech@NABShow Blog Goes Live as Countdown to Vegas Heats Up

The 2026 NAB Show kicks off one month from today and SVG is once again set to cover the show from every angle. SVG's SportsTech@NAB Show Blog is now live - ...

18/03/2026

The Premiere of Dead Lover Showcases Grave Robbing and Sex With a Giant Finger

(L-R) The cast and crew of Dead Lover at The Ray Theater for its premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. (Photo by Robin Marshall/Shutterstock for Sundan...

18/03/2026

Music Row Piano from Wiltone Productions

Yamaha C7 captured in Nashville Wiltone Productions have announced the release of Music Row Piano, a deeply sampled Yamaha C7 piano library that's been ...

18/03/2026

Techivation introduce T-Warmer Mk2

Bass-enhancement plug-in upgraded Along with a steady stream of new releases, Techivation have recently been revisiting some of the older plug-ins in their ...

18/03/2026

Tonal Balance Control 3 from iZotope

Mix-reference plug-in overhauled iZotope's powerful mix-referencing plug-in has just reached its third major version, and now boasts a new capture proce...

18/03/2026

Toontrack Transistor Organ EKX

Latest EZKeys 2 expansion arrives Toontrack's staggering collection of EZKeys 2 expansions has grown once again, and the latest instalment delivers a on...

18/03/2026

Jess Ho explores the politics of food in new SBS Audio podcast For The Culture

Jess Ho explores the politics of food in new SBS Audio podcast For The Culture 18 March, 2026 Media releases New SBS Audio podcast For The Culture, hosted ...

18/03/2026

Future-ready broadcasts with ATSC 3.0 and enhanced services from Rohde & Schwarz at NAB 2026

Future-ready broadcasts with ATSC 3.0 and enhanced services from Rohde & Schwarz...

18/03/2026

LCTWS 2026

London Calling - When The Industry Convened to Help Streaming Find its MoJo In this blog, Laura Rognoni reflects on key discussions from the Connected TV World...

18/03/2026

SMPTE Unveils 2026 NAB Show Educational Presentations

SMPTE Unveils 2026 NAB Show Educational Presentations Brie Clayton March 18, 2026 0 Comments SMPTE , the home of media professionals, technologists, a...

18/03/2026

Auditel Ad Campaign Shot on Blackmagic PYXIS 12K

Auditel Ad Campaign Shot on Blackmagic PYXIS 12K Brie Clayton March 18, 2026 0 Comments LED wall virtual production blends 12K open gate acquisition w...

18/03/2026