Portfolio
Reporting Across Borders
Esther Muwombi is an experienced journalist and media trainer based in the Netherlands, with over 12 years of reporting across Uganda, South Sudan, Kenya, and Rwanda. Her work spans continents — telling powerful human stories not only from Africa but also within European
contexts.
She contributes to both African and Dutch media as a freelance journalist, bringing a unique,
cross-cultural lens to every story. Esther is passionate about not just uncovering untold stories, but also about challenging misrepresentations and retelling African narratives with depth, dignity, and accuracy.
Her storytelling bridges borders, breaks stereotypes, and highlights the innovation, resilience,
and complexity of communities often overlooked in mainstream media.
Selected Articles & Features
RFG Media (Netherlands)
“In Oeganda betaal je voor het uiten van je mening een hoge prijs”
An in-depth look at the suppression of freedom of expression in Uganda, highlighting the risks journalists and citizens face when speaking out.
The Niles
“Survival 101: Stop the war, protect the future”
An interview with Sudanese environmentalist Nisreen Elsaim on the impacts of war on climate
and the role of women in building resilience amid conflict.
Podcast Contributions
Nile Water Lab
“Episode 8 – Who Speaks for the River?”
A cross-border discussion with journalists from Uganda, Sudan, and Egypt exploring the
narratives that shape how the Nile River is perceived, governed, and contested.
Publications
African Echoes Magazine – Editor & Publisher
- A transformative women’s magazine founded and published in Juba, South Sudan in 2012 — at a time when digital platforms were still uncommon in the region.
Focused on fashion, culture, entrepreneurship, and stories of resilience - Provided a much-needed platform for South Sudanese women to share their voices and achievements
- Managed the complete editorial cycle: content development, editing, design, and print
South Business Directory – Producer & Publisher
The first-ever mini business directory in South Sudan, produced in 2012 shortly after the country’s independence.
- Created to help residents, NGOs, and new settlers navigate Juba when businesses lacked an online presence
- Featured essential listings of services and small enterprises to support local recovery and commerce
- Served as a practical tool during the city’s post-war reconstruction period
Projects
Political Freelance News Writer
Jubapost | The New Times | Citizen Newspapers (Jan 2010 – Dec 2019)
- Covered major political developments shaping the future of South Sudan
- Reported on elections, peace agreements, and diplomacy
- Witnessed and reported on the birth of South Sudan in 2011
Photojournalism Highlights
- Women Leading Change – A photo essay on grassroots female leadership in Rwanda
- Beyond the Headlines – Scenes of post-conflict daily life in South Sudan
- Childhood Interrupted – Visual storytelling from refugee camps and displaced
communities
Selected Articles & Features
RFG Media (Netherlands)
“In Oeganda betaal je voor het uiten van je mening een hoge prijs”
An in-depth look at the suppression of freedom of expression in Uganda, highlighting the risks journalists and citizens face when speaking out.
The Niles
“Survival 101: Stop the war, protect the future”
An interview with Sudanese environmentalist Nisreen Elsaim on the impacts of war on climate
and the role of women in building resilience amid conflict.
Publications
African Echoes Magazine – Editor & Publisher
- A transformative women’s magazine founded and published in Juba, South Sudan in 2012 — at a time when digital platforms were still uncommon in the region.
Focused on fashion, culture, entrepreneurship, and stories of resilience - Provided a much-needed platform for South Sudanese women to share their voices and achievements
- Managed the complete editorial cycle: content development, editing, design, and print
South Business Directory – Producer & Publisher
The first-ever mini business directory in South Sudan, produced in 2012 shortly after the country’s independence.
- Created to help residents, NGOs, and new settlers navigate Juba when businesses lacked an online presence
- Featured essential listings of services and small enterprises to support local recovery and commerce
- Served as a practical tool during the city’s post-war reconstruction period
Projects
Political Freelance News Writer
Jubapost | The New Times | Citizen Newspapers (Jan 2010 – Dec 2019)
- Covered major political developments shaping the future of South Sudan
- Reported on elections, peace agreements, and diplomacy
- Witnessed and reported on the birth of South Sudan in 2011
Photojournalism Highlights
- Women Leading Change – A photo essay on grassroots female leadership in Rwanda
- Beyond the Headlines – Scenes of post-conflict daily life in South Sudan
- Childhood Interrupted – Visual storytelling from refugee camps and displaced
communities
Training and workshop sessions are designed for:
- Early-career journalists
- Media and communications students
- NGOs and local media hubs
- Cross-cultural storytelling teams
Training & Mentorship
With over 12 years of field experience, Esther is now expanding into training and mentorship — equipping the next generation of journalists and media storytellers with practical tools, ethical frameworks, and global perspectives.
She brings a unique dual-era perspective, having worked extensively in both the pre-AI and AI- driven phases of journalism. This gives her a grounded understanding of traditional reporting values and the emerging opportunities and risks that come with new technologies.
Topics
Topics include:
- Ethical Journalism in Practice
- AI & Journalism: Tools, Ethics, and the Future of Storytelling
- Ground-Level Reporting: Covering Communities with Care
- Journalism for Social Impact
- Building a Purpose-Driven Freelance Career
- Challenging Misrepresentations: Reframing African Narratives in Global Media
Writing Themes
- Social Justice and Human Rights
- Women and Youth Empowerment
- Conflict and Post-Conflict Narratives
- Development and Innovation
- Refugee and Displacement Stories
- Diaspora and Cross-Cultural Identity
Topics
Available for:
- Guest Lectures and Keynotes
- University Workshops
- Online Masterclasses
- NGO or Community Media Collaborations