FOJO – Rwanda Media Programme Strengthens Investigative Media Capacity

By LIBOS NDAYISHIMIYE

FOJO Media Institute, through its Rwanda Media Programme, continues to play a transformative role in strengthening professional journalism by investing in long-term capacity building for media houses.

As part of this commitment, FOJO organized an intensive three-day training on investigative journalism, held from 15 to17 January 2026 at Hotel Splendid in Muhanga District.

The training brought together journalists from diverse Rwandan media outlets, including both broadcast media such as radio and print-oriented digital platforms such as news websites.

The training was facilitated by Steve Buist, a seasoned Canadian investigative journalist who, despite being officially retired, remains deeply committed to mentoring journalists and sharing decades of professional experience.

His involvement added strong international expertise and practical depth to the training, enabling participants to connect global investigative journalism standards with the local Rwandan media context.

Throughout the three days, the training focused on strengthening journalists’ understanding of investigative journalism as a public-interest-driven practice that goes beyond routine reporting.

Participants explored how investigative journalism serves as a watchdog for society, promotes accountability, uncovers hidden truths, and gives voice to underreported issues affecting communities.

The sessions emphasized that investigative journalism is not merely about exposing wrongdoing, but about pursuing verified facts with accuracy, fairness, and ethical responsibility.

One of the key strengths of the training was its practical and methodical approach.

Participants were guided through clear investigative methodologies, including how to identify strong story ideas, distinguish investigative stories from regular news reporting, and assess the public interest value of potential investigations.

The training highlighted how investigative journalism requires patience, discipline, and structured planning, often involving long-term research rather than immediate publication.

Journalists gained valuable skills in story development, learning how to refine broad ideas into focused investigative angles supported by evidence.

Special attention was given to source development, including how to build trust with sources, protect vulnerable informants, and ethically handle sensitive information.

Participants also strengthened their capacity to analyze documents, budgets, reports, and datasets, which are essential tools in uncovering complex stories related to governance, social services, environment, and economic issues.

Another critical component of the training focused on research and verification techniques.

Participants learned how to cross-check information, avoid misinformation, and ensure accuracy at every stage of an investigation.

Emphasis was placed on fact-checking, triangulation of sources, and maintaining detailed records of findings.

These skills are particularly important in an era where digital misinformation and unverified content can easily undermine journalistic credibility.

The training also addressed risk awareness and safety in investigative journalism.

Journalists were equipped with knowledge on how to assess legal, physical, and digital risks associated with investigative work.

Topics such as understanding media laws, defamation risks, data protection, and digital security were integrated into the sessions.

This component helped participants appreciate the importance of personal safety, ethical decision-making, and institutional support when pursuing sensitive investigations.

Participants further benefited from learning about ethical standards that guide investigative journalism.

Discussions emphasized integrity, independence, avoidance of conflicts of interest, and respect for human dignity. The training reinforced the principle that investigative journalism must always balance the public’s right to know with the responsibility to minimize harm.

Collaboration and peer learning were also central to the training.

Journalists from different media platforms exchanged experiences, challenges, and ideas, fostering a culture of cooperation rather than competition.

This interaction strengthened professional networks among media practitioners and encouraged cross-media collaboration on future investigative projects, which is increasingly important in handling complex and resource-intensive investigations.

By the end of the three days, participants had significantly enhanced their confidence and competence in producing in-depth investigative stories.

They left with practical tools, clear investigative frameworks, and renewed motivation to apply high professional standards in their daily work. The training empowered them to approach stories with a more analytical mindset, dig deeper into issues of public concern, and contribute meaningfully to transparency and accountability in society.

This initiative reflects FOJO Media Institute’s broader mission of supporting sustainable, ethical, and impactful journalism in Rwanda.