SOUTHERN REGION

NYANZA - Thousands of people ascended on the last King Mutara III Rudahigwa’s palace over the weekend to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his death.

The commemoration week came to a climax on Saturday with a mass that was celebrated at the King’s Palace, now Museum of Rwandan Ancient History.

The mass was preceded by the laying of wreaths on the graves of Rudahigwa and Queen Rosalie Gicanda situated on Mwima hill which overlooks the King’s Palace (Urukari).

Speaking on behalf of the family of King Rudahigwa, Antoine Semukanya said that Rudahigwa loved his country and preached unity of its people.

"The most befitting way to remember Rudahigwa is by being proud of your country, work for it and if necessary be ready to die for it,” said Semukanya during the function that was disrupted by an unusual late afternoon heavy downpour.

Semukanya paid tribute to the RPF Inkontanyi for liberating Rwandans from despotic regimes that followed the death of Rudahigwa, for stopping Genocide and fostering the unity of all Rwandans.

Rudahigwa is remembered for his support to Christianity and especially the Catholic Church where he was baptised.

He is also remembered for his support to education through the Mutara education fund but most importantly he is remembered for abolishing serfdom (Ubuhake) in 1954.

Rudahigwa, an ardent Catholic was baptised in October 1943 at Kabgayi and took on the names Mutara III Rudahigwa Pierre Charles.

On October 27 1946 he dedicated Rwanda to Christ the King.

Speaking during the same function, Culture and Sports Minister Joseph Habineza said that Rudahigwa is a national Hero who left behind a rich legacy.

He urged Rwandans to visit the Museum of Rwandan Ancient History and learn from its rich cultural heritage.

The 50th anniversary was characterised by a week long commemoration activities that included public discussions, theatre shows and an over night traditional musical celebration (Igitaramo cy’intera) at the King’s royal Palace.

A football game that pitted Amaregura (formerly Kings Football team) against Amagaju. The score line ended 3-1 in favour of Amagaju.

King Mutara III Rudahigwa was born in 1911.

He was enthroned in July 10 1931 after the death of his Father King Musinga. He ruled until he met his death on July 25 1959 in Burundi under mysterious circumstances.

His death has attracted great speculation with many pointing a figure at the Belgian colonial masters who have remained silent on the cause of his death.

Rudahigwa: Important dates during his reign

• March 1911 - Born to Musinga and Kankazi Nyiramavugo
• At 18 years of age, named Chief of Nduga-Marangara
• November 12, his father is deposed, four days later named King of Rwanda

• 1933 – Marries Nyiramakomari (Mugeserakazi)
• January 1942, marries Rosalie Mukamutara Gicanda of Banyiginya clan

• October 1943 –Baptised at Kabgayi together with his mother by monsignor Leon Classe, his Religious father; Governor General Pierre Ryckmans.
• October 1946- King Rudahigwa dedicates Rwanda to Christ the King

• June 1952 – Attends the consecration Monsignor Bigirumwami as the first Catholic Bishop in Central Africa from Rwanda.

• April 1954- Abolishes serfdom (Ubuhake)
• July 25 1959 – Dies in Bujumbura under mysterious circumstances

Ends