Six journalists from The New Times swept media awards, winning eight of the 21 awards during the 3rd Edition of the Rwanda Development Journalism Awards (DJA), at a gala yesterday.

TNT’s investigative reporter Dean Karemera emerged the journalist of the year after scooping the best investigative journalist and second runners up in features writing.

Overall, Karemera walked away with Rwf4.8 million.

The awards are aimed at promoting excellent journalism and development-oriented media.

During the ceremony, Rwanda Broadcasting Agency’s long serving cameraman, Valence Rwamukwaya, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his 25 years of service behind the camera.

Journalists were competing for awards in news reporting, investigative journalism, talk-show of the year, video-photo journalism, features writing, documentary/magazine and Microfinance reporting.

Other TNT journalists that featured during the event include Kenneth Agutamba, as the second runners up in investigative reporting, Faustin Niyigena winner of best documentary, Peterson Tumwebaze and Jean Pierre Bucyensenge emerged as best and second runners up in reporting on microfinance issues, respectively, while Jean d’Amour Mbonyinshuti was second runners in news reporting.

Overall, there were 214 entries of which the judges had to pick 21 winners.

The award ceremony was part of the celebration to mark the World Press Freedom Day.

Speaking during the event, the Minister of State for Community Development and Social Affairs, Dr Alvera Mukabaramba, recognised efforts of journalists in building an informed society and pledged government support in ensuring safety of journalists.

The awards were organised by the Rwanda Governance Board and the Rwanda Journalists Association with support from the United Nations Development Programme.