Yuhi V Musinga faced disgrace from the Belgian administration. Prince Rudahigwa became their choice for future king. They nurtured him to suite their colonial policies.
Mutara the III Rudahigwa was born in 1911 in Nyanza (Nyanza district now). He joined the school of chiefs in 1919. After completing his studies, he became his father’s secretary. He remained in the service of his father for years. He became royal to his father much as the Belgian colonialists were preparing the worst for him.
Belgian administration forcefully removed Prince Rudahigwa then from his father. He was appointed chief of Marangara-Nduga now in Muhanga district. The post of Kabgayi then seat of bishop Classe, was located in Marangara. It was a ploy by Belgian colonialists well knowing the influence he would have on him. Yuhi V Musinga, powerless as he was though aware of the danger, simply advised his son to be on his gourd against the missionaries especially bishop Classe.
Once out of Nyanza, Prince Rudahigwa played tactics to match the situation. He visited bishop Classe freely and sought his advice. Few months passed and he declared himself a catechumen (one receiving instructions in preparation for Christian baptism or confirmation). Yuhi V Musinga called him to verify the truth. On knowing it, he was hurt and simply said: "so it is over”. He did not insist further.
Read also: The downfall of Yuhi V Musinga: Erosion of power and forced exile
Prince Rudahigwa quickly showed political maturity. Belgian administration fell for him. Governor Voisin instructed bishop Classe to keep him informed of the projects in progress. Yuhi V Musinga was deposed on 12th November and Prince Rudahigwa was enthroned on 16th of the same month in 1931. Governor voisin of Rwanda-Urundi invested him.
Prince Rudahigwa was enthroned under the royal name Mutara the III. No holder of esoteric code was involved in his enthronement. Bishop Classe had known that Musinga’s successor would be Mutara. He himself indicated the reign name.
The apparent queen mother, Nyiramavugo III Kankazi played no role in enthronement ceremony. The Belgian administration forbade her the use of royal drums, the insignia of royalty. The Belgians avoided privileges of queen mothers to avoid interfering with the son just as Musinga’s mother did. Then Mutara III was their man who would act according to their wishes.
Mutara III Rudahigwa is known to have made changes in the economy and social progress. Food production and coffee as cash crop were embarked on. Rwanda used to export hides and skins and hence the export base saw a boost.
Under Mutara III Rudahigwa, roads were constructed and goods would be transported by vehicles. This was contrary to carrying on heads by men up to Bujumbura.
During his reign, "uburetwa” – forced labour – was abolished. Cassava production was introduced. It could withstand drought and remain in the ground for a long time without rotting.
There was obligatory cultivation of traditional crops like beans and sweet potatoes. Food supply in the country was assured and stabilised. Rwanda was freed from shortages and famines over a period of the next 12 years.
Cultivation campaign was done alongside reforestation. Each sub-chiefdom had to plant hectares of eucalyptus trees. Private reforestation of varying extent was added.
As time would have it, Mutara III Rudahigwa would play a role that would inform present dispensations as we shall see later as we progress with his reign.