Rwandan history, Part 7: The Ascendancy of Mibambwe I

In the previous installment of this series, we witnessed Mibamwe's vengeful attack on Bunyabungo, aided by the kings of Bugesera and Burundi, all in pursuit of avenging his mother's tragic demise. This ruthless assault led to the demise of Bunyabungo's monarch and all his male heirs, leaving only his pregnant young wife as a potential beacon of hope for the dynasty. However, her captivity by Bugesera warriors inadvertently set in motion a sequence of events that would change the course of history, ultimately resulting in the secret return and enthronement of her son. ALSO READ: Political manipulation in Ancient Rwanda: The battle against Banyoro invaders Mibambwe I, recognizing the fragility of his lineage, embarked on a mission to secure his succession. His wife, Shetsa, believed that their future monarch would be her son, Hondi, who was the younger brother of Gatambira, the liberator (umucengeli), and hailing from the Abega clan. The esoteric code had decreed that the future queen mother should come from the Abaha clan. It became clear that if Mibambwe married another wife, his male offspring would be at risk. The custodian of the esoteric code (ubwiru) devised a discreet plan. Princess Matama, daughter of Bigega, was secretly brought from Buha and concealed in the ancient fortress of Karambo, situated in what was once the Tumba commune (now Rulindo district). Mibambwe I, feigning hunting expeditions, visited Karambo and married the princess. Matama later gave birth to a son named Gahima. Over time, confidants executed their clandestine scheme, pretending to be exiled in Karambo. When the opportune moment arose, Mibambwe I conspired with the Karambo exiles to launch an attack on his own capital in Remera. This brutal assault resulted in the massacre of Prince Hondi, his children, and their mother. Matama and her son were the sole survivors, and they subsequently relocated to Remera. ALSO READ: Revealing a fresh perspective on political manipulation in Rwandan history Mibambwe I adhered to tradition, living to an advanced age. He passed away while on a journey in the Mushubati valley, formerly part of the Mushubati commune, now within the Muhanga district. A stream in the valley was named amazi mabi (bad water). He had a deep affection for his capital, Remera (Remera y'Abaforongo), now situated in the Rulindo district, where he was buried. His dying wish was for those like him to rest in the same hallowed ground. The Conquest Beyond the Congo-Nile Divide and the Volcanoes continued with Mibamwe I's death in Nduga, a region now in the Muhanga district. As dictated by the esoteric code, his successor was enthroned there. Yuhi 2 Gahima (1444-1477) embarked on a significant expansion, crossing the Nyabarongo River and conquering Nyantango. He established his residence in Nzaratsi and soon annexed Budaha-Bwishaza, effectively extending Rwanda's territory to Lake Kivu for the first time. Additional regions, including Bugamba, Itare, Cyingogo, Bwanamwali, Bushiru, and Buhoma, on the eastern side of the Congo-Nile divide, were also incorporated into the kingdom. Remarkably, the existing dynasties in these regions were preserved, in keeping with tradition. Bugara, on the other hand, faced a western invasion led by Zuba, the son of Gitore and grandson of Kigeli I. Zuba successfully conquered the Murera region and the plains stretching between north Mukungwa (Cyangabe) and the volcanoes. The Bugara territory had already lost its southern region along the Mukungwa River. During Yuhi II's reign, Buhanga, located in the former Ruhengeri prefecture (now part of the Northern Province), was reintegrated into Rwanda. This region was believed to be the origin of the Banyiginya dynasty. According to tradition, Gihanga was enthroned there, and Yuhi II solidified the ancestral lineage by establishing a permanent residence. This residence included the Abiru family, descended from Rubunga, and the Abanga kugoma militia, who vowed never to rebel. The esoteric code decreed that a monarch named Yuhi must remain in Nduga, where they were enthroned, lived, and ultimately died. No pretext or circumstance permitted their departure from this place. This tradition became explicit under Yuhi III Mazimpaka in the igisigo-poem dedicated to Yuhi II by Mirama, the son of Rutwa. Following his demise, Yuhi II Gahima was laid to rest at Kayenzi, in the former Tumba commune, now part of the Rulindo district. His mother, Nyirayuhi II Matama, was interred at Remera y'Abaforongo beside her husband, Mibambwe I Sekarongoro Mutabazi, in accordance with the esoteric code. Kayenzi became the final resting place for monarchs bearing the name Yuhi. Among Yuhi II's many sons were Juru, an ancestor from the Abenejuru family, and Bamara, the father of Byinshi, the progenitor of the Abanyabyinshi family. These lineages would play a pivotal role in the future of Rwandan royal succession. Source: Traditions and the book Inganji Kalinga by Alex Kagame.

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Rwandan history, Part 7: The Ascendancy of Mibambwe I