The New Times reporter Jean d'Amour Mbonyinshuti, has emerged the winner of this year's national investigative journalism award.

The Development Journalism Awards are the brain child of Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) and UNDP.

At the awards ceremony, Mbonyinshuti's "The notorious marines of Nyabugogo valley", published in The New Times issue of August 25, was announced best in investigative journalism category.

"I am very happy and humbled by the recognition," Mbonyinshuti said.

"I am new in media industry and hope to keep improving, I feel motivated."

The Excellence Award, which recognises overall winner, went to Radio Rwanda's Christine Uwizeye, for her programme, Umugore mu Iterambere (women in development).

Other winners include Didace Niyimfasha of Radio Ten (best sports reporter), Etienne Gatanazi of Rwanda Television (best environment reporter), and Jean Baptiste Rukundo and Revocat Tuyisenge, all from the national broadcaster, who emerged best lifestyle reporters.

Best Business reporters were Didier Karinganire of Rwanda Focus and Radio Rwanda's Marie Rose Mukayiranga.

The winners in all categories and runners-up recieved cash prizes.

The Minister of Local Government, James Musoni, who was the chief guest recognised the role of media in thge country's development, stressing the need for the emergence of more professional media houses.

"Rwanda's journalism still has a long way to go, but I am proud of the steps it has made towards becoming a fully professional industry. The awards are meant to spur production of development stories, as well as they motivate journalists as they exercise their watchdog role."

RGB's Chief Executive Officer Prof. Anastase Shyaka encouraged journalists to work harder, knowing that their efforts are appreciated.

"The awards are only going to get better every year; this is just the beginning and we shall ensure that those journalists whose stories impact society are recognised."

Nominations attracted 38 journalists from local print and broadcast media.