In the previous installment of this serialised narrative, we concluded with the introduction of Ubututsi, the initial social economic class (ubudehe), introduced by Cyilima I Rugwe in the region of Gasabo, Rwanda, during a phase of territorial expansion. Here, we delve into the remaining categories prior to exploring the era of Kigeli I Mukobanya, the next in line for the throne. Ubuhutu emerged after the year 1345, when Ubuliza was incorporated into Rwanda. This newly annexed territory became a hub for cattle rearing. Families that possessed numerous cows sought out recipients to whom they could bestow cows, thereby fostering the practice of cattle rearing within these annexed lands. This activity formed the cornerstone of the economy. As more people were assimilated into the nation, the offering of cows expanded, consequently boosting the nation's economic growth. ALSO READ: Rwandan History, Part 2: Monarchy and Political Manipulation The individuals designated to offer cows were those with significant numbers—known as Abatutsi, signifying wealth and high social standing (associated with civility). Ubuhutu describes the process of gifting a cow to another. The term muhutu wasn't used until a cow offering between two individuals had occurred. Ubuhutu represented a social economic class comprising those who had ascended the ladder after experiencing the benefits of cows introduced by the Banyiginya. Ubuhutu became synonymous with those who received cows from the wealthy Abatutsi. Nevertheless, a cow granted during the Ubudehe process differed from one given through a social contract (ubuhake), as the latter required effort and labor. This second category significantly impacted Rwanda, spanning 587 years (1345-1932), resulting in the accumulation of cattle. The expansion of the nation's territories went hand in hand with the propagation of cattle, paralleled by the elevation of social consciousness. The third social economic group, ubutwa (Abatwa), comprised those disinterested in contributing to the nation's development or cattle rearing. They adhered to the status quo and were not merely an economic category, but also symbolized low social consciousness. This group primarily engaged in hunting, reflecting a deficiency in social development. Central to Rwandan society are clans, not the ethnically-tinged social economic classes (ubudehe). These categories were manipulated for political purposes, a theme explored in this serialized narrative, aimed at reshaping a narrative that aligns with the positive trajectory the nation requires. Demystifying the distortions perpetuated by colonialists and their proxies for self-serving ends is crucial. Objectively considering our history provides ample evidence of our unity as a nation-state, surpassing our differences. (Derived from: Intwari z’ imbanza zubatse u Rwanda rugahamya igitinyiro by Jean de Dieu Nsanzabera.) The feats of Kigeli I Mukobanya transpired under the rule of his father, Cyilima1 Rugwe. The poet Musare, son of Kalimunda, who composed poems for the dynasty, disclosed crucial information during the reign of Yuhi IV Gahindiro, shedding light on events that might have remained concealed. In his poem titled Ukuri kwimutsa ikinyoma ku ntebe, Musare reveals that upon the death of Cyilima I Rugwe, his other son Karimbi aspired to replace Kigeli I Mukobanya on the throne. Tradition held that Mukobanya was the biological offspring of Nsoro I Bihembe from Bugesera. In the prior installment, we explored how Cyilima I Rugwe orchestrated a maneuver to exclude Nsoro I Bihembe of Nyanguge, a member of the Abakono clan, from the future queen mother position. Oracles had foretold that the queen mother would emerge from Abakono. Nyanguge, the prospective queen mother, spent time with Nsoro I Bihembe before fleeing to Cyilima I Rugwe, possibly already pregnant, prompting a rivalry. However, Kigeli I Mukobanya had been crowned by his father and king, Cyilima I Rugwe, while the latter was alive. According to Musare, Kigeli I Mukobanya already held royal status. The contender, Karimbi, met his end at a location named mu Mvuzo, situated in the former Mugambazi commune, now part of Rulindo district. (Source: Inganji Kalinga by Alex Kagame.) A pivotal episode of Mukobanya's reign was the invasion by the Banyoro. King Cwa, offspring of Nyabwongo, led this incursion. In the book Entre le Victoria, l'Albert et L'Eduard, Bishop Gorju presents a list of Bunyoro kings. Interestingly, Cwa I Cwamali ranks fourth on this list. Comparing this with the Rwandan list from Mutara III Rudahigwa to Ruganzu I Bwimba, the parallels are striking, especially Nyabwongo II Bulemu and his son Cwa I Cwamali, paralleling Kigeli I Mukobanya and his son Mibambwe I Sekarongoro Mutabazi. Bishop Gorju's list was derived from P. Torelli, a former missionary in Bunyoro, who referenced Epic poetry for his sources. During the Banyoro invasion, Kigeli I Mukobanya resided on Mount Kigali. The invaders launched a dual-pronged attack—one from Bwanacyambwe to the east of Kigali and the other from the north along the Nyabugogo River. The latter column reportedly suffered defeat at Gatsata, near the base of Mount Jali.
