The newly elected executive of the Rwanda Journalists’ Association (ARJ) has vowed to promote the welfare of practitioners, strengthening capacity building and ensuring the financial sustainability of the association. ALSO READ: Why media oversight was shifted to Rwanda Governance Board The pledge was made by the new association chairperson Dan Ngabonziza following his election on August 29. The association is a professional body thar brings together all practicing journalists in the country. Ngabonziza, who is also the editor in chief of Kigali Today, a local digital media platform, was elected by journalists to replace Solange Ayanone, who was acting in that capacity following the resignation of Aldo Havugimana back in May. The new team will steer the media body for a period of three years. Expressing gratitude for the trust placed in his team and acknowledging the work of the outgoing committee, he noted that with 20 years of experience in the industry, he is well aware of the challenges facing journalists. ALSO READ: Inside Rwanda’s media working conditions “The team brings on board diverse skills and experience that will help improve the sustainability of the association as it marks 30 years of existence,” he added. Ngabonziza, who was already on the outgoing executive as an audit committee member, was elected alongside Brigitte Uwamariya, the Director of Radio Huguka, as first vice chairperson. This position was previously held by Ayanone before she became acting chairperson. Edith Nibakwe from Radio/TV10 was elected Second Vice Chairperson, replacing Richard Iraguha. Remy Maurice Ufitinema of Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) was elected Secretary, succeeding Janvier Nshimyumyukiza, now in charge of communication at the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement. Cecile Nyirahavugimana of Radio Umucyo was elected the treasurer, replacing Dorothy Mbabazi. The elected auditors are Ange Hatangimana from Umuseke, Oswald Mutuyeyeyezu from Radio/TV10, and Emma Marie Umurerwa from Iriba, replacing Joseph Hakuzwumuremyi, Albert Bauduin Twizerimana, and Ngabonziza. The conflict resolution committee will be chaired by Sabine Kayihura, a journalist at Igihe, and includes Didace Niyifasha and Nadine Umuhoza. They replaced Emmanuel Sehene Ruvugiro, Pacifique Malonga, and Anne Marie Niwemwiza.
