Every first Friday of August, Rwandans and friends of Rwanda celebrate The National Harvest Day, known as UMUGANURA in Kinyarwanda.

This day holds great significance for Rwandans, uniting them with their homeland, Rwanda, and fostering a deep connection between the nation and its people.

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While this article does not delve into every aspect of UMUGANURA, such as its organisation or the individuals involved, it focuses on the importance that King Ruganzu II Ndoli attributed to this day—a significance that has endured through the ages.

Umuganura is often associated with harvest, but it extends beyond that. It is more than just a day of meeting and sharing food; it has been celebrated in Rwanda for thousands of years. Some historians believe the celebration began with Gihanga, the founding father of Rwanda, while others suggest it predates him.

Oral history, however, credits Gihanga with officially starting the Umuganura festivities, and it was King Ruganzu II Ndoli who endowed the feast with its present-day meaning. This meaning transcends the celebration of harvest, fostering a sense of unity and identity among Rwandans.

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During colonial rule, the significance of Umuganura in uniting Rwandans was recognised by the colonial masters. As part of their efforts to dismantle what united the people of Rwanda, they sought to abolish this feast. Before deporting King Yuhi V Musinga to the Democratic Republic of Congo, they exiled the guardian of Umuganura.

In 1925, Gashamura, the son of Rukangirashyamba and the guardian of Umuganura responsible for that year’s festivities, was deported to Burundi. This exile aimed to erase the day that reminded Rwandans of their unity and identity.

The two republics that followed the colonial era did not restore UMUGANURA to its true importance, remembering it only as a celebration of crop yields. It was not until 2011, under the Government of National Unity, that UMUGANURA was reintroduced in its full significance, celebrating not only agricultural achievements but also Rwandan identity and love for their nation.

UMUGANURA’s role in reminding Rwandans of their identity and unity can be traced back to King Ruganzu II Ndoli's reign. Before his return from exile in Karagwe, UMUGANURA was primarily a thanksgiving day for the harvest. Sorghum, known as the King of farming, and milk were celebrated the most.

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The day was marked by communal sharing of the harvest and national celebrations at the King’s Palace, where the best harvests were exhibited, anointed, and then followed by a royal decree to continue working to avoid hunger.

King Ruganzu II Ndoli, upon his return, added a new dimension to UMUGANURA. The feast had ceased during his father’s death, threatening the nation’s identity. King Ruganzu II Ndoli revived UMUGANURA with added celebrations.

First, the ICYUNAMO CYA GICURASI (the mourning of May) commemorated his father's death and Rwanda's resurrection. Next, the IBIRORI BYA KAMENA celebrated the nation's survival and the defeat of its enemies, reinforcing the nation’s identity.

Following these celebrations, UMUGANURA was held to remind Rwandans of their unity and shared identity. Families and communities gathered to give thanks for the harvest, the King’s return, and the restoration of Rwanda’s identity.

Today, UMUGANURA is a reminder of this unifying past and an opportunity to promote Rwandan culture, unity, and achievements in agriculture and other economic developments.

It is more than just a day of meeting and sharing food; it is a uniquely Rwandan tradition that brings people together, celebrating their beautiful nation. Whether you are Rwandan or a friend of Rwanda, join us in celebrating one of Rwanda’s greatest traditions.