Rwabugiri: The Great Warrior King
Learn about Rwanda's expansion through King Rwabugiri's conquests and wars.
Who was Kigeli IV Rwabugiri
Son of Mutara II Rwogera, king Rwabugiri is known in the history of Rwanda for his many adventurous and victorious wars of conquest that intended to expand the Kingdom of Rwanda.
He ruled Rwanda from 1853 to 1895 and he was the first Rwandan King to meet Europeans.
Mission of Kigeli
16th-century reforms under King Mutara I categorized rulers by cycles and purpose.
Kigeli and Mibambwe reigned as "Kings of Conquest and War," their roles defined through rituals, social interactions, and psychological preparation during enthronement.
The spirit of Kwanda
Fueled by the ancient ideal of "Rwanda" — to expand — Rwandan kings, particularly Rwabugiri, engaged in numerous conquests, forging an immense, borderless empire by annexing neighboring territories.
Rwanda, by the end of the 19th Century
Rwabugiri's reign marked a golden age of Rwandan expansion, with decades of military campaigns and administrative reforms carving out a kingdom encompassing much of modern-day Rwanda.
King Rwabugiri's famous battles: Attack to Ijwi island
King Rwabugiri's initial attack on Ijwi across the Kayenzi peninsula faced stiff resistance. Kabego's army, forewarned and camped at Nyakarengo under the Kayenzi's command, awaited the Rwandans, preventing their escape and forcing a fight.
Outwitting his opponent, Rwabugiri split his army. While some held the Kayenzi position, others circled around, attacking Ijwi from the north and setting fire to houses. This ruse lured Kabego's army away, leaving the Kayenzi camp vulnerable.
How Kabego was defeated
Seizing their chance, Rwabugiri and his troops rushed to the boats, crossed the river, and attacked Ijwi. Caught between two forces, Kabego's army struggled and eventually retreated. Defeated, Kabego fled.
"God gave us an occasion for rejoicing", a poem
Rwabugiri launched a second attack on Ijwi island after its kinglet refused to pay tribute. The victory, celebrated with the poem "None Imana iduhaye Kuvuza Impundu" marked the end of Ijwi's defiance.
Other achievements
Beyond territorial expansion, King Rwabugiri undertook various expeditions to assert authority and power. These included expeditions against Ndorwa and campaigns against cattle raids. By the end of his reign, Rwanda boasted a well-organized administration.
Kigeli IV Rwabugiri by Rwanda MuseumsRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Glory to Rwabugiri: the Inkotanyi cyane
The song " Inkotanyi cyane" was composed to praise Rwabugiri for his bravery.
Ibigabiro bya Nyamasheke by Rwanda MuseumsRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
King Rwabugiri's many residences included a lakeside palace on Kivu, built for planning his Rwandan expansion campaigns. Nyamasheke served as the temporary resting place for his body before final burial in Rutare/Gicumbi.
Content development: Chantal Umuhoza
Curatorial Layout: Chantal Umuhoza
Photography: Rwanda Heritage Hub trainees: Issa Mandela, Abdul Ndagijimana, Alice Uwamahoro
Field study: Nyamasheke District, Nyabitekeri sector, Nyamirundi peninsula
References: History of Rwanda, From the beginning to the end of twentieth century, NURC, Kigali 2016.
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