At first glance, you’d think it’s just a rock — a massive one — but nothing out of the ordinary, really. Plus, for a story that packs a punch, it sure is nestled in a rather unassuming locale. ‘Ibuye rya Bagenge’ is situated about 300 metres from the Kigali-Musanze highway, adjacent to the Nemba Parish and trading centres. Unless you have the inquisitive nature of a cat, you may not even bat an eye at the commotion surrounding the legendary site. However, the story surrounding it is something to talk about. ALSO READ: Rwanda's cultural heritage is based on truth, and remains so today Archaeologist, Andre Ntagwabira, confirms that ‘Ibuye rya Bagenga’ that covers an area of one kilometre by 80 centimetres, is a national treasure that represents Rwanda’s historical heritage. The rock has an altitude of one metre above ground level and is believed to extend even deeper underground. According to him, the legend of ‘Ibuye rya Bagenge’ first surfaced during the reign of King Ruganzu II Ndoli, who was known for his impeccable taste in architecture, having built an exceptionally beautiful palace. ALSO READ: Cultural heritage body to unveil sounds, songs recorded during colonial period During his reign, reports reached the palace that farmers in the kingdom had fallen victim to a mysterious airborne menace. News reached the King that farmers were being attacked by a floating rock that maliciously destroyed their crops, prompting him to go rescue his people. Upon reaching the affected area, he encountered a big, sturdy rock, responsible for the mayhem. It is then said that the King took matters into his own hands, or rather, his own feet, when he, with a swift kick, sent it flying through the air and then, with a commanding tone, ordered it to stay put, “for no rock should be meddling in the affairs of the people,” he said. Legend has it that when the rock took a tumble, the King drew his sharp bow and unleashed his loyal dogs to trample on it, leaving permanent marks of their feet on it. ALSO READ: New hub to stimulate youth interest in Rwanda’s cultural heritage The mystery surrounding ‘Ibuye rya Bagenge’ is not solely limited to its historical significance. When asked how this boulder earned its name, people from the surrounding areas don’t even agree to the same version of the story. Some say the rock is named after a man called Bagenge, who was a powerful witch, rumoured to have already caused chaos in the area before. Others contend that the name ‘Bagenge’ is derived from ‘Ubugenge’, meaning genius, on account of the mystical story surrounding the rock. They believe that the rock exhibits an aura of wisdom that transcends human comprehension. There are also some who insist that the genius referred to in the name has nothing to do with the rock itself but instead is associated with King Ruganzu II Ndoli, who was highly revered by his people. Aside from its rich historical significance, ‘Ibuye rya Bagenge’ has also accrued a reputation as a healing entity, with some locals claiming to have seen and experienced its mystical powers first-hand. While the veracity of these beliefs may be open to debate, Ntagwabira urged those living near such landmarks to preserve them, as they are an essential component of Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage and promising touristic sites. Ntagwabira emphasised the need to document and preserve accounts of sites such as ‘Ibuye rya Bagenge’ for the sake of future generations and the archaeology of the country.
