A Rwandan journalist who rose through perseverance and innovation has used the 20th National Umushyikirano Council to draw attention to the financial pressures confronting media practitioners, calling for stronger recognition of journalism as a professional and economic activity.
Scovia Mutesi, invited to the national dialogue as an example of a journalist who hustled and built a sustainable career, shared the challenges media houses continue to face, particularly limited financial resources, despite their central role in informing the public and supporting national development.
Speaking on Friday, February 6, 2026, during a panel discussion moderated by Uwera Jean Maurice, the Deputy Government Spokesperson, Mutesi noted that journalists play a critical role in enabling citizens to follow and understand national conversations, including Umushyikirano itself.
“Journalists here have helped Rwandans understand the dialogue taking place,” she said. “But once we leave this hall, media houses must still pay staff, cover expensive and unreliable internet costs, and meet daily operational expenses.”
She called on public institutions that regularly work with the media to view them as professional partners and to provide compensation for services rendered, arguing that journalism should not be treated as voluntary work.
Mutesi proposed that some of the work media outlets carry out in support of government communication and public engagement be formally costed, stressing that sustainability in the media sector depends on predictable income.
She further emphasized that journalism requires passion, integrity and commitment, noting that the profession’s mandate goes beyond reporting to include informing, educating and entertaining the public.
For context, Mutesi currently serves as the chairperson of the Rwanda Media Commission (RMC).
Her remarks come as recent findings from the 2024 Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) assessment show that media capacity and professionalism stood at 60.7 percent, highlighting the need for continued investment in the sector.
