Thirty journalism students from the University of Rwanda (UR) and Mount Kigali University (MKU) have completed a five-day intensive training in investigative journalism organised by FOJO at Kigali Paramount Hotel.
The training, which ran from Monday to Friday, was facilitated by veteran Canadian investigative journalist Steve Buist and focused on equipping students with practical skills for in-depth investigative reporting.
Participants described the programme as transformative, saying it shifted their understanding of journalism from routine reporting to evidence-based investigations. Imena Gislain, a journalism student at MKU, said the training challenged his initial assumptions about investigative journalism.
“Before attending, I thought investigative journalism was mainly theoretical and reserved for senior journalists,” Gislain said. “Instead, it was very practical. I learned how to identify strong investigative story ideas, verify information, and handle sources ethically. This training has changed how I look at journalism.”
Gatungane Bella, a journalism student at UR, said the training will significantly influence how she reports and writes stories.
“I am going to change the way I report and write stories,” she said. “Investigative journalism requires patience, thorough research, and evidence. I gained skills in interviewing, fact-checking, and organising information into impactful stories.”
Buist explained that FOJO prioritised investigative journalism because of its role in serving the public interest.
“Investigative journalism is vital because it helps uncover issues that directly affect people’s lives and holds those in power to account,” he said.
He also highlighted challenges faced by journalists, including limited access to information, legal pressure, and safety risks. Buist urged the trainees to remain professional and committed to ethical standards.
“My advice is to be accurate, ethical, and persistent. Never publish what you cannot prove,” he said.
Experienced Rwandan journalist Mahoro Claudine encouraged the students to put the knowledge gained into practice, noting that skills only become meaningful when applied in real reporting.
“What you learned here will only be useful if you implement it. Hard work and discovering your potential are key to success in journalism,” she said.
She also urged female trainees to uphold professionalism and integrity in their work.
“Girls should work in journalism with heart, skills, and integrity, not through sexual corruption,” Claudine emphasised.
The training equipped participants with essential investigative tools and ethical foundations, preparing them to pursue impactful journalism that serves the public interest and strengthens accountability.
Pichou Byiringiro / The Kaminuza Star