Protecting the country against the enemy and boosting its economic development has always been among the heroic values that characterized Rwandans before, during and after colonialism according to historians. In the book titled, “Umurage W’ubutwari” loosely translated at the legacy of heroism, published by Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders and Decorations (CHENO) shows, for instance, that King Cyilima II Rujugira who reigned from 1675 to 1708 was characterized by heroism in safeguarding the country from enemies that would try to invade it. Cyilima II Rujugira mobilized all Rwandans to protect the kingdom’s sovereignty and established systems to recruit men in fighting against the enemies. He created 11 military units. The book cites many examples of heroic acts that also points at how Rwanda was liberated after 11 years in the hands of enemies since 1477 after the death of Yuhi II Gahima. It shows that from ancient times up to the 19th century, there was a chain of heroes such as King Ruganzu Bwimba and his sister Robwa Nyiramateke that fought hard to protect Rwanda when I Gisaka (the then neighbouring country) wanted to invade it. According to a script by Lt Col (Rtd) Gerard Nyirimanzi, before colonialists came to Rwanda in 1894, Rwanda already had its heroes. During the reign of King Kigeli I Mukobanya (1378-1411) and the reign of his son Mibambwe I Sekarongoro Mutabazi (1411-1444), Rwanda got heroes who protected it from the first attack of Abanyoro. Prince Sekarongoro was the hero during the fight against this attack. In the 17th century, the book reads, during the reign of King Cyilima II Rujugira (1675-1708), Prince Gihana Nyamihana was characterized by his heroism on during battles against Rwanda’s enemies. The other heroes include Bisangwa bya Rugombituri, who was leading Ingangurarugo military unit. He led the battle against Belgium colonialists in 1896 although he died as the colonialists were using guns while Rwandan army was using spears and arrows. Other heroes who sacrificed before and during colonialism include King Yuhi IV Musinga who fought against Colonialists that were distorting Rwandan culture. His son Mutara III Rudahigwa also fought against colonialists and was later killed in Bujumbura in Burundi when he was seeking a passport to go to UN and push for Rwanda’s independence according to the documented history by CHENO. According to the historian Faustin Munyakabera, the heroes before colonialism are in two categories. These include heroes who created Rwanda and established it as a nation or state and the heroes who fought and expanded it. Some of the heroes who created and protected Rwanda include Gihanga I Ngomijana (1091–1124), Ruganzu II Ndoli (1510–1543 who was good at organizing the army and Nyiraruganzu Nyirarumaga (1510 – 1543 who promoted poetry. Those who expanded and protected the kingdom’s sovereignty include Cyilima II Rujugira (1675 – 1708), Kigeli IV Rwabugiri48 (1853 – 1895). The king who confronted colonialists is Yuhi V Musinga (1896 – 1931). Despite the heroism over many years, divisionism spread by colonialists led to 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. It is in this context, Rwanda got heroes who stopped 1994 genocide against the Tutsi during liberation struggle. One of the heroes is Major Gen Fred Gisa Rwigema who initiated the liberation struggle and passed away during the 2nd day of the battle. Other heroes during and after genocide include Felecite Niyitegeka, Agata Uwilingiyimana and Inyange students among others. According to the writing by Godelieve Mukasekuru and Immaculee Madamu Milenge, women were also characterized by heroism in different times in Rwandan history. These include Nyirarucyaba, the girl of Gihanga and Nyamusa who was the only girl among eight boys and pioneer in women leadership at national level. She led the army unit called “Abahiza” that was in charge of different domestic activities at the palace. Robwa Nyiramateke, the daughter of Nsoro I Samukondo, one of the Rwanda’s kings from 1279 to 1321 was characterized by heroism when Rwanda was confronting I Gisaka together with his brother Ruganzu Bwimba. Nyabunyana, the sister of King Ndahiro Cyamatare played role in rescuing the Kingdom of Ndahiro from collapsing. Others include Ndabaga, a girl who existed around 1700, the unique girl in the family that joined his father on the battle. Lesson that should be learnt As Rwanda celebrates National Heroes Day on February 1, the current and the future generation should learn from the heroism recorded before, during and after colonialism, Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders and Decorations (CHENO), Deo Nkusi said. The 29th Heroes Day will be held under the theme “Heroism amongst Rwandans, Our Dignity.” “Heroism that characterized Rwandans dates back to many years ago even before colonialism. The country became nation state because of heroes. The adult and youth used to take first steps to save and protect the country during difficult times. The current generation especially the youth should learn from these heroic values to sustain the current achievements and boost the sustainable developing according to the vision 2050,” he said. He said heroic values should be taught and documented in different ways including writing books, creating films and other communication channels for the current and future use. “As the time goes on, the lifestyle changes but the foundation of our culture and heroic values should not change. We should build on this spirit to develop our country. We should be aware of what destroyed the country and embrace heroism in rebuilding and protecting it,” he said. He said that while there was a time when Rwandans united to build the country, divisionism that was created and spread by colonialism also destroyed it. “Heroic values such as Rwandan spirit, hardworking and patriotism is what should guide Rwandans. The Rwandan society should be inclusive and united instead of divisionism,” he said. Nkusi urged Rwandans to stay united in order fast-track development as planned in vision 2050. “Working hard and commitment in every sector of development is one of the heroic values that will help the country achieve goals set in 2050,” he added.
