In the history of Rwanda's reconstruction, particularly during efforts to expand the kingdom and suppress rebellions against Gihanga Ngomijana's legacy – the founder of the Rwandan kingdom, countless heroes stood firm and demonstrated exceptional bravery. In recognition of their courage and dedication to the nation, Rwandan kings honored them with rings of praise and other rewards. In line with the Heroes Day today, February 1, this reflection offers a journey back in time to understand how our ancestors began celebrating and recognising their heroes. The tradition of awarding rings of commendation to soldiers who triumphed in battle was introduced by King Ruganzu II Ndoli, famously known as Cyambarantama. This practice was a way to encourage and honor heroes for their bravery. In traditional Rwandan society, a hero was never someone who had already passed away, a perception that was later introduced by colonialists and religious influences. At that time, the focus of Rwandan life was centered on overcoming poverty and achieving victory, values that shaped the community's aspirations and recognition of bravery. According to the book Intwari z’Imbanza, Zubatse u Rwanda Rugahamya Igitinyiro (Heroes of the Front, Who Built Rwanda and Instilled Fear), written by poet and cultural expert Jean de Dieu Nsanzabera, the history of awarding commendation rings in early Rwanda is explored in detail. In an interview with The New Times, Nsanzabera provided further insights into the book, elaborating on how this tradition was a significant aspect of Rwanda's cultural heritage. In the book, he narrates that a conflict erupted among the Gahima princes, with Juru and Bamara killing their elder brother, Ndahiro Cyamatare, to claim the throne. Later, King Ruganzu worked to restore Rwanda’s prestige, avenge the deaths of his father Ndahiro and mother Nyabacuzi, and unite the people and army. His mission focused on expanding the kingdom, defeating rebels, and rebuilding a stronger, unified Rwanda. ALSO READ: Rwandan dance legacy continues with Ishyaka ry'Intore formation by ex-Ibihame members “On that occasion, he issued an order awarding prizes to heroes who had shown distinction in each of the activities related to the programme he was undertaking. King Ruganzu was the first to establish the ranks of heroes in Rwandan history, and he also decreed the rings of bravery and other awards to be distributed,” Nsanzabera explains. These rings of bravery encouraged Rwandans to be more courageous and fight for freedom from foreign slavery and conquest. The ranks of heroes and rings awarded to heroes since the reign of Ruganzu Ndoli were as follows: Umudende Umudende was a ring of bravery awarded to heroes who had defeated seven enemies in battle. This ring, crafted from rope-like metal with bells, was worn around the neck as a symbol of valor and accomplishment. Along with the ring, the hero was also rewarded with herds of cattle. Nsanzabera says that each herd was composed of eight cows. The number of herds awarded matched the number of enemies the warrior had defeated. If he conquered seven enemies, he would be granted seven herds of cattle, he said. The one who received the ring had to wear it regularly, and there were also things that he was not allowed to eat or drink because of the ring he owned. The reason why the ring of the warrior had many complicated and different rituals is that it was the first ring of courage that was given to a hero who had defeated enemies in battle. Thus, the one who received it had to fight until the last minute and fight fiercely but perform acts of courage that allowed him to move from one ring to another. He was supposed to rest only when he reached the next ring of courage of the Impotore. Then he would rest from the efforts and rituals required for the ring of courage of the Umudende. Impotore Impotore was a ring of courage awarded to a warrior who had defeated 14 enemies or foreigners in battle. The recipient would receive a bronze ring resembling a water lily, worn on the right arm, along with herds of cows as a reward for his bravery. These cows were raised and bred as symbols of his victory and status. Bisangwa of Rugombituri remains a notable figure in this tradition, having received the most cows in Rwandan history. He was granted the entire Isanzu region( 32,512 cows) for his exceptional leadership as a commander during the reign of Rwabugili, leading the Ingangurarugo army. Gucana Uruti The highest ring in ancient Rwanda was ‘Gucana Uruti’. This ring was given to someone who killed 21 enemies in battle, those who won in battle. It was a great ceremony at the palace, and it was attended by the king himself. A hero was given many cows of herds, and mountains to rule, and was exempted from going to battle, but he was also a thinker and advisor for attacks to expand the country. This is evidenced by the fact that he took his spear, threw the stick into the fire, which burned it as a sign that he had finished the battle and would never repeat it again, which was the origin of the name. ALSO READ: Mutara III Rudahigwa, the strategist and transgenerational inspirer However, the one who was awarded the reward for lighting the stick had strict instructions that he had to follow, because if he was rewarded in this way, he would never meet the king who lit the stick again and they would look at each other face to face until he died, because there are no two skulls in the same pot, no two giants in the same country. In the secret instructions that gave the ring of praise to the one who lit the stick, he had to live far from the royal palace and the courts of Rwanda and other countries. Because of all these rings, whether given to the Impotore, the one who was given the Umudende and the one who lit the stick, they made the brave person boast about them to others in a poem that would start and end everything he said. This made every Rwandan strive to be a Hero and thus eliminate fear in the battlefield. Rwanda entered the colonial period at the end of the Rwabugili Dynasty, having already increased its army units to 170. During the time it was faced with seven army units during the Gihanga Dynasty around 1091, until the reign of Ruganzu Bwimba around 1345. Because of the Rwandan party that was seen in the victorious battle, it reached the colonial period when the population still had the heart and will to participate in the struggle for the country, because of the secret of praising and rewarding the Heroes proclaimed by the Rwandan Ancestors, who were initiated by King Ruganzu II Ndoli.
