Rwandan Journalist Marie Jeanne Umutoni Wins Prestigious Award

On November 6, 2026, the Rwandan journalism community gathered at Camp Kigali to celebrate the 13th edition of the Development Journalism Awards. The event, which coincided with Africa Day of Information, recognized outstanding journalists who have made significant contributions to the field. Marie Jeanne Umutoni, a journalist from Kigali Today, was among the 30 winners who received awards in various categories.

Umutoni's award-winning report, which aired on KT Radio, exposed the plight of women and children who are victims of violence. Her investigative piece told the story of a mother who gave birth to two children with skin conditions and the challenges she faced. The report was selected from among several entries and was praised for its impact and professionalism.

Umutoni expressed her surprise and gratitude upon receiving the award. She had not expected to win, as she had completed her report on short notice and had not received any prior notification. The journalist said that she was busy with her evening news program when she received the news, and she had to rush to the ceremony to accept her award.

This is not Umutoni's first award; she had previously won an award in 2024 while working at Radio Salus. However, she noted that this latest recognition is a significant milestone in her career, as it validates her hard work and dedication to journalism. Umutoni credited her editor at Kigali Today for providing her with the support and guidance she needed to produce high-quality work.

The Development Journalism Awards, which are presented by the Association of Journalists in Rwanda (ARJ) in collaboration with the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), aim to promote excellence in journalism and recognize outstanding contributions to the field. The awards have been presented annually since 2012 and cover various categories, including investigative reporting, business journalism, and environmental reporting.

Umutoni, who is currently pursuing her third year of studies in journalism, said that this award has motivated her to continue producing high-quality work and to use her platform to amplify the voices of marginalized communities. She praised Kigali Today for providing her with a platform to showcase her work and for its commitment to promoting investigative journalism.

The award is a testament to Umutoni's hard work and dedication to her craft. Her win is an inspiration to aspiring journalists and a reminder of the importance of investigative reporting in promoting social justice and accountability. As she continues her studies and career, Umutoni is likely to remain a prominent figure in Rwandan journalism.

Key points

• Marie Jeanne Umutoni's award-winning report exposed the plight of women and children who are victims of violence in Rwanda.
• The Development Journalism Awards aim to promote excellence in journalism and recognize outstanding contributions to the field.
• Umutoni's win is her second award in three years, following her previous win in 2024.