Rwandan poet and cultural entrepreneur Rumaga wa Nsekanabo, widely known as Junior Rumaga, is setting his sights on Kiruri Mountain in Huye District, with plans to turn the historic site into a cultural and educational tourism destination.

Through his company, Siga Rwanda, the "Mazi ya Nyanja” poet plans to launch an annual cultural festival and build an Arts Heritage Center on the mountain. The idea is to bring together heritage, contemporary art, and community development while creating space for future artists and literary custodians to grow.

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An agreement granting management of Kiruri Mountain to Rumaga was signed on January 8 in Huye District. Representing Siga Rwanda, Rumaga signed the contract with Huye District Mayor Ange Sebutege, formalizing a partnership to develop and manage the site and unlock its cultural and tourism potential.

"This project feels like a natural continuation of my relationship with the mountain,” Rumaga said in an interview on January 9.

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He has been visiting Kiruri since 2016, taking part in activities marking Rwanda’s International Arts Day. Over the past three years, those events have been coordinated by Siga Rwanda, which he founded to promote literature, reading culture, and artistic excellence.

Receiving stewardship of the mountain, Rumaga said, offers him a rare chance to move beyond performance and poetry and create a permanent home for creative ideas.

"We plan to organize an annual cultural festival to coincide with Rwanda’s Arts Day on March 21each year, and we also intend to start constructing an Arts Heritage Center on the mountain,” he said.

Why Kiruri Mountain matters

Kiruri Mountain holds a special place in Rwanda’s cultural history. Located in Karama, Huye District, it is often described as a historic mountain because of its deep ties to poetry and the arts.

During the monarchy era, artists were recognized for their contributions to society. In the 18th century, under King Yuhi Mazimpaka, the poet Nzabonariba composed the famous poem "Inka Zigira Ishorera,” in which he asked that artists be granted a share of royal cattle and access to the royal well, privileges rarely extended beyond the royal circle.

In recognition of that artistic contribution, Kiruri Mountain was granted to artists. Since then, it has been closely linked to some of Rwanda’s most respected poets and cultural figures.

Following the signing of the agreement, Rumaga toured the mountain with friends and fellow artists, including singer Christopher Muneza.

Beyond its history, Rumaga believes Kiruri has strong tourism potential.

"I want to contribute as an artist and cultural leader by promoting Rwanda’s income through art and cultural tourism,” he said. "Being entrusted with this mountain feels like an opportunity to open doors for other artists to share their gifts. I will work closely with the people of Huye to promote this site as one of Rwanda’s thousand hills with real value.”

He points to three features that make Kiruri stand out. The mountain is believed to carry a positive spiritual energy. It is visually striking and highly photogenic, shaped like a cup and surrounded by rolling hills. It is also secluded yet accessible, with nearby infrastructure that makes travel easy.

The chair of poets

Kiruri Mountain is traditionally divided into three sections, including its peak, known as Murugishiro. This area is commonly referred to as the "Kuntebe y’Abahanzi,” or Chair of Poets.

The site is closely linked to Queen Mother Nyirarumaga, herself a celebrated poet.

According to tradition, artists would climb the mountain early in the morning to compose their work in solitude. Only after finishing would they descend to share their poems.

Nyirarumaga, also known as Nyiraruganzu II Nyirarumaga, was the Queen Mother of King Ruganzu II Ndoli, who ruled in the early 16th century. She is widely regarded as the first female poet in Rwandan history and is credited with establishing the tradition of Ubusizi, or dynastic poetry, as well as the institution of the poets’ chair.

Her work helped shape Rwanda’s cultural memory and preserve royal history during a turbulent period. In her honour, the Nyirarumaga Trophy was later created to recognize excellence in poetry and promote a strong reading and writing culture.

Rumaga says the Kiruri project will not distract from his creative work but will deepen it.

"I want to draw inspiration from history and connect it with contemporary art,” he said. "It is about creating continuity between the artists of the past and the creators of today.”