Editorial Policy
Umutaka is committed to producing accurate, independent and ethical journalism in Kinyarwanda, English and French. This page sets out the standards every contributor follows and the recourse readers have when we fall short.
1. Accuracy and verification
Every factual claim in an Umutaka story must be supported by at least one primary source — an official document, a named interview, a verified data set, or our own reporter's first-hand observation. Where a single source is used, the article identifies it. We do not publish rumour, unverified social-media claims, or AI-generated text as fact.
2. Sourcing and attribution
We attribute information to the person, organisation or document it came from, with a link wherever a public version exists. Anonymous sources are used only when the information is in the public interest, cannot be obtained another way, and the reason for anonymity is explained to the reader.
3. Originality and plagiarism
Every Umutaka article is written by a named human author. Quotations from other publications are clearly marked, kept short, and linked to the original. We do not republish other outlets' work as our own. Re-use of an Umutaka story by third parties requires written permission — see our Terms of Use.
4. Independence
Editorial decisions are made by editors, not advertisers, sponsors, political parties or public officials. No advertiser receives advance review of editorial coverage. Reporters disclose any personal conflict of interest to the editor, who decides on reassignment.
5. Fairness and right of reply
When a story makes a serious allegation about an identifiable person or organisation, we offer them a reasonable opportunity to respond before publication and include their response (or note their decline to comment).
6. Corrections
If we make a mistake, we fix it transparently. Corrections are appended to the bottom of the affected article with the date and a short note of what was changed. Significant corrections are also flagged at the top of the story. To request a correction, email nshutidieudonne66@gmail.com with the URL and the issue.
7. Opinion vs news
Opinion, analysis and editorial columns are labelled as such and kept visually distinct from news reporting. Opinion writers are identified and their conflicts of interest disclosed.
8. Sensitive content
We report on violence, grief, sexual assault and minors with care. Graphic imagery is avoided where it does not add to public understanding. Survivors of sexual violence are not named without informed consent.
9. Images and video
Photographs and video are credited to the photographer, news agency or licence under which they are used. We do not digitally alter news images beyond standard cropping and colour correction. AI-generated illustrations, where used, are labelled.
10. Advertising and sponsored content
Ads, including Google AdSense units, are labelled "Advertisement" and visually distinct from editorial content. Sponsored or paid articles are clearly marked "Sponsored" at the top and are written or approved by editors, not by the sponsor.
11. Comments moderation
Reader comments are welcome but moderated. Hate speech, harassment, threats, defamation, spam, and content that endangers public safety are removed without notice. Repeat offenders are blocked.
12. Complaints
If you believe an Umutaka story breaches this policy, write to nshutidieudonne66@gmail.com with the URL and the issue. The founding editor will respond within seven working days.