Journalism educators, media regulators and other stakeholders have met to discuss ways to improve the quality of journalism in Rwanda, with a particular focus on training future journalists.

The discussions took place on Friday, 23 October 2026, at the University of Rwanda’s Gikondo Campus. They were organised by the Rwanda Journalism Educators Network (RJEN).

Journalism educators and media stakeholders discuss quality improvement, Kigali 23, 0ct 2026

The meeting brought together lecturers from four universities that teach journalism, alongside RJEN partners, including the Fojo Media Institute, the Rwanda Media Commission (RMC) and professionals from various media organisations.

The discussions aimed to identify ways to improve journalism education and strengthen the quality of journalism in Rwanda by equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to become competent journalists.

Participants also exchanged views on the challenges facing the profession, identified areas for improvement and explored ways to strengthen cooperation between journalism educators, media practitioners and institutions involved in the development of the sector.

RJEN Chairperson Rev. Jean Pierre Uwimana said the meeting provided an opportunity for stakeholders to explore practical ways of advancing journalism in Rwanda, particularly through better preparation of journalism students.

“This is a good opportunity to meet and engage with RJEN partners to learn together how to improve journalism in Rwanda, especially by focusing on students who are still studying journalism because they are the foundation for improving the profession, while also considering those already practising it,” he said.

Rev. Jean Pierre Uwimana, RJEN Chairperson

Uwimana emphasised that the challenges facing journalism should not be considered the responsibility of educators alone.

“The challenges facing journalism are not only the responsibility of lecturers. They also concern journalists, journalism students, media representatives and citizens. Therefore, we must examine the criticisms directed at us and work to address them,” he said.

RMC Executive Secretary Emmanuel Mugisha welcomed the ideas and recommendations shared during the meeting, saying they would help stakeholders find solutions to challenges affecting the media sector.

“We are pleased that this meeting generated different constructive ideas and recommendations that will help us improve the quality of journalism. Sometimes, we encounter challenges for which we struggle to find solutions,” he said

However, this meeting has provided ideas that can help address some of the challenges we face,” he added.

Emmanuel Mugisha, RMC Executive Secretary

Albert Fils Nzayurugo, a journalism lecturer at the East African University Rwanda (EAUR), told ICK News that the ideas shared during the discussions would benefit both educators and their students.

“When we receive valuable ideas from partners and experienced professionals, the benefits are not limited to us as lecturers. They also benefit the students we teach. Therefore, the results of these discussions will undoubtedly reach our students and the wider public,” he said.

RJEN was officially launched in Muhanga District on 14 March 2025, with 24 founding members. The network currently has 35 journalism educators.

Its main objectives include improving the quality of journalism education, promoting research and strengthening collaboration between journalism educators and other stakeholders in the profession.