Investigative Journalism in Sub-Saharan Africa

Mr. Emmanuel Mutaizibwa, Investigations Reporter for NTV Uganda, credits the exchange with providing him a new set of skills for investigative reporting, for instance, learning to embrace digital tools, such as aspects of artificial intelligence, in news reporting, and through his participation, Emmanuel developed a sense of empowerment as an African journalist.

As a result of his program in the U.S., Emmanuel gained a better understanding of American newsrooms and journalism as they function in regard to the First Amendment, and he had the opportunity to learn from and network with distinguished global journalists during his fellowship placement at the CNN Global Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. Following his participation in the reciprocal exchange, Emmanuel began his own nonprofit organization, The East African Centre for Investigative Reporting (EACIR), which has attracted open society funding as a result of its ground-breaking reporting and exposes. Emmanuel reflects that as the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic adversely impacted Uganda’s traditional media with consequent declines in both newspaper sales and television viewership, nonprofit organizations like EACIR have stepped into a new role and are playing a part in reviving investigative journalism.

The Investigative Journalism for Sub-Saharan Africa exchange brought together experienced investigative journalists to establish a sustainable, collaborative network of journalists across Sub-Saharan Africa.