The East African Nature and Science Organisation has awarded a certificate of publication to NBS News Editor and journalist Paul Kayonga for a peer-reviewed study examining investigative journalism in Uganda.
The certificate, issued on March 17, 2026, recognises Kayonga’s article titled, “The Practice of Investigative Journalism in Uganda,” published in the International Journal of Advanced Research.
According to the issuing body, the article underwent peer review prior to publication, affirming its academic credibility and contribution to media studies.
The study is accessible online and carries a digital object identifier (DOI), enabling global referencing.
The certificate was signed by Editor-in-Chief Jack Simons on behalf of the organisation, confirming Kayonga as the author of the research.
It also includes verification details, with a tracking code provided to authenticate ownership through the publisher’s system.
Kayonga’s study examines how investigative journalism is practised in Uganda, focusing on newsroom processes, reporting techniques and ethical considerations.
Based on interviews with investigative journalists, it highlights both opportunities and challenges within the field.
The research underscores the role of investigative journalism in promoting accountability and shaping public discourse, while pointing to constraints such as limited resources, safety risks and weak institutional support.
Speaking about the findings, Kayonga said investigative journalism in Uganda remains largely driven by personal initiative rather than structured newsroom systems.
“Becoming an investigative journalist in Uganda is often a personal initiative driven by passion and circumstances, rather than a formal recruitment process,” he said.
He added that the practice has evolved over time, citing landmark investigative works that helped shape the field, including reporting on the Rwandan genocide by Sheila Kawamara, the 1998 sale of Uganda’s biggest bank reported by Simon Kaheru, and Agen Kevin Aliro’s coverage of unlawful detention and torture of Muslims in Uganda.
The awarding of the certificate marks a significant academic milestone for the journalist, whose work bridges professional media practice and scholarly research.
The East African Nature & Science Organization publishes peer-reviewed journals across disciplines, with the International Journal of Advanced Research carrying both print and electronic ISSN numbers, confirming its standing as a formal academic publication.
The organisation said the certification process is part of efforts to promote research visibility and uphold publishing standards across the region.
The recognition of Kayonga’s work adds to growing efforts to document and analyse journalism practices in Uganda, an area that has historically received limited academic attention.
With the study now formally certified, it is expected to contribute to ongoing debates on the role of investigative journalism in governance, media development and public accountability in Uganda and beyond.
