Joseph Hakuzwumuremyi of Umuryango newspaper has been named Rwanda’s Journalist of the Year 2026 at the 13th edition of the Distinguished Journalists Awards (DJA), receiving a cash prize of RWF 7 million.
The awards ceremony took place on Friday, November 6, 2026, recognising journalists for outstanding work across various reporting categories.
Hakuzwumuremyi is the editor of the online publication Umuryango.rw and is known for analysing news, particularly stories related to politics and security.
The awards ceremony was preceded by celebrations marking African Information Day. The event was organised by the Rwanda Journalists Association (ARJ), in partnership with the Rwanda Media Commission (RMC), the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) and the Pan African Movement (PAM).
Several other journalists were recognised in different categories.
Bakubwiruryumve Jean Bosco of Radio Ishingiro won the award for the best story of the year, as well as the award for best long-form radio and television reporting.
Dufitumukiza Chalom of Radio Salus won in the sports reporting and sports programmes category, while Uwitonze Providence Shadia of Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) was recognised for the best story produced by a woman.
Emmanuel Ntirenganya of The New Times won in the category of reporting on agribusiness, while Umuhoza Honore of Flash TV received the award for reporting on disability rights and inclusion.
Kazungire Merci Dieu of Radio Salus won in the justice reporting category, while Imaniriho Gabriel of Isango Star was recognised for data-driven journalism.
Nkurunziza Michel of The New Times won for reporting on hygiene and sanitation, while Jean Paul Ndagijimana of RBA’s Huye branch received the award for reporting on efforts to prevent teenage pregnancies.
Nkurunziza Theoneste of Izuba TV won in the gender equality category, and Umutoni Marie Jeanne of Kigali Today was recognised for reporting on efforts to combat violence against women and children.
Bizimana Desire of Mama Urwagasabo won the best programme of the year award, while Ruti Steven of RBA’s Nyagatare branch was recognised for reporting on the role of community work (Umuganda) in promoting unity and social cohesion.
Jean Paul Hakizimana of IGIHE won in the category of reporting on self-reliance, development initiatives and poverty reduction, while Mukanyandwi Marie Louise of Ubumwe was recognised for reporting on access to digital public services.
Mbonimpa Nepomuscene of Radio Isangano won for reporting on community-led development initiatives, while Rosine Ntawurikura of Radio Salus was recognised for reporting on service delivery.
David Ndagijimana of Radio Ishingiro won in the business and trade reporting category, while Nzabihimana Pascal of Radio Salus received the award for economic reporting.
Hasingizwimana Gratien of Sound of Africa won in the environment and climate change category, while Charles Nyandwi of The New Times was recognised for reporting on the promotion of environmentally friendly transport.
The awards recognise journalistic excellence and encourage quality reporting across different fields in Rwanda.
