Ugandan Journalist John Blanshe Musinguzi Wins Prestigious African Investigative Journalist of the Year Award

In a remarkable achievement for Ugandan journalism, John Blanshe Musinguzi has been awarded the prestigious African Investigative Journalist of the Year Award at the 20th African Investigative Journalism Conference (AIJC), held in Johannesburg, South Africa. Musinguzi, a data journalist based in Kampala and a regular contributor to The Africa Report, was honored for his exceptional investigation titled “How Congo Trees Are Smuggled Through East Africa,” which was published in The Africa Report Magazine. The award ceremony took place on October 31, bringing together leading journalists and advocates in the field.

The AIJC’s African Investigative Journalist of the Year Award celebrates journalists who unearth hidden truths, highlight public interest issues, and hold powerful entities accountable. Musinguzi’s investigation into the clandestine logging and smuggling of Congolese trees revealed the intricate networks and severe environmental impacts behind East Africa’s illegal timber trade. His dedication to uncovering these stories not only informs readers but also spotlights environmental degradation and the need for stricter trade regulations in the region.

Musinguzi’s work has also appeared in globally renowned publications, including The New York Times, Jeune Afrique, Pulitzer Center, Rest of World, and Al Jazeera. His reputation for meticulous research and data-driven reporting has made him a standout figure in African journalism, and this award further cements his role as a critical voice on issues affecting the continent.

Other 2024 AIJC Award Winners

The African Investigative Journalist of the Year Award was given to three journalists this year, each recognized for significant contributions to investigative journalism. Joining Musinguzi in the 2024 honors were:

1. Manasseh Azure Awuni, Adwoa Adobea-Owusu, and Evans Aziamor-Mensah of The Fourth Estate, for their investigation “The 3 Billion Ghanaian Cedi Lie & the Billion-Dollar Contract.”
2. Hennie van Vuuren of Open Secrets, for the piece “The Russian Doll,” which exposes intricate financial crimes linked to powerful actors.

The award, backed by Absa, comes with a $5,000 prize for each recipient. This year’s AIJC event celebrated not only the awardees but also the impact of investigative journalism across Africa in confronting corruption, advocating for transparency, and inspiring change. Musinguzi’s accolade brings pride to Uganda and serves as an inspiration for investigative journalists in the country and beyond.