In the previous installment of this serialized narrative, we left off with the account of the Banyoro invasion during the reign of Kigeli I Mukobanya. His successor, Mibambwe I Sekarongoro Mutabazi, valiantly confronted this threat, even engaging them during their second assault on his kingdom. In the preceding narrative, we witnessed the defeat of the advancing column through Gatsata, a surburb in present day Kigali. Meanwhile, the column that approached from the east clashed with Rwandan forces under Prince Sekarongoro at Musave, which was formerly part of the Rubungo commune and is now within Gasabo district. It was during this confrontation that Prince Sekarongoro sustained a forehead injury. ALSO READ: PART 3: Unraveling a different perspective on political dynamics in ancient Rwanda The Rwandan fighters, unfortunately, met defeat and were forced to retreat to the safety of Mount Kigali. Meanwhile, King Mukobanya, in a desperate bid to escape the invaders, watched from a distance as his residence was consumed by flames. He had crossed River Nyabarongo and set up camp in Runda. The invaders were relentless in their pursuit of Kigeli I Mukobanya, aiming to recover the cattle he had fled with. However, those who ventured across River Nyabarongo to the western bank were soundly defeated by Rwandans at a location now known as Ishinjaniro. Those who were captured endured gruesome punishments, having their fingers and ears severed as a chilling message to terrify any future invaders. Prince Sekarongoro, despite sustaining a grievous injury to his forehead, came to symbolize the fight against the Banyoro invaders. His spilled blood was regarded as a pivotal element in the struggle, and he was subsequently baptized as Mutabazi, signifying the liberator. Mibambwe I Sekarongoro Mutabazi reigned from 1411 to 1444. His rule coincided with the reigns of other notable figures such as Nsoro II Sangano in Bugesera, Kimenyi II Shumbusho in Gisaka, Nkuba (son of Sabugabo) in Nduga, and Muramira in Bugara. During the initial years of his reign, the primary focus of conquest was the Nduga kingdom. Banyiginya forces had crossed River Nyabarongo and seized the northern part of Nduga, establishing contact with Ababanda, the rulers of Nduga at the time. Nkuba, the son of Sabugabo, reigned over Nduga. In the heat of the conflict, Prince Nkoko, the son of Kigeli I Mukobanya, willingly sacrificed his life on the battlefield, becoming a liberator (umucengeli) whose blood would secure the annexation of Nduga. Rwandan forces ultimately killed Nkuba at the Battle of Kinanira in what was formerly the Mugina commune, now part of the Mugina sector in Kamonyi district. Prince Mashira, Nkuba's son, managed to escape to Bugesera as Nduga fell under Rwandan control. During this period, a prolonged drought plagued Nduga. Prince Mashira made a secret return from Bugesera and found refuge with a man named Macumu, who was unaware of his true identity. Miraculously, Mashira's return coincided with the arrival of rain, and this fortunate turn of events enabled him to recapture Nduga, capitalizing on the dissatisfaction of the populace. Rwandans who had fled Nduga ended up in the western part of Nyabarongo, which had not previously been under the Ababanda dynasty. A protracted struggle unfolded between Nduga and Rwanda, marked by successive liberators (Abacengeli) spilling their blood to reclaim Nduga. Prince Gatambira, the son of Mibambwe I, and Mihira, the son of Prince Gahindiro (also a son of Mibambwe I), were among those who made the ultimate sacrifice. In a retaliatory act, one Munyanya from Nduga carried out a similar act in Rwanda. ALSO READ: Rwandan History, Part 2: Monarchy and Political Manipulation Nduga launched an expedition against Rwanda, with Ngoga, the son of Mashira, leading the forces across the eastern side of River Nyabarongo. Unfortunately, according to tradition, the expedition ended in disaster, as Ngoga met his demise at the foot of Mount Nyamweru, just across the Nyabugogo valley, facing Mount Kigali, as he attempted to cross River Nyabarongo. While the reconquest of Nduga proved elusive at this time, Mibambwe 1 did not abandon his ambitions. Instead, he pursued a strategy of reconciliation, symbolized by the marriage of his daughter, Nyirantobwa, to Mashira. In return, Mashira gave his daughter, Bwiza, in marriage to Prince Gahindiro, the son of Mibambwe I. These marriages were part of a larger tactical approach, a strategy that would be utilized by Banyiginya as they expanded territorially and integrated socially and politically. Second Banyoro Invasion Rwanda had just reconciled with Nduga when the second Banyoro invasion, commanded by Cwa, the son of Nyabwongo, occurred. Mibambwe 1 sent appeals to neighboring nations for military assistance, yet the kings of these countries provided various reasons for abstaining from the conflict. Recognizing the inadequacy of facing the Banyoro invaders alone, Mibambwe I Sekarongoro decided to flee. He, along with all able-bodied individuals, embarked on this exodus, with all the cattle in their possession forming an extensive caravan. The sheer numbers ensured that no one dared obstruct their passage. King Mashira granted them unhindered passage through his territory, and beyond his lands, they encountered no hostile forces. They eventually settled in Bunyabungo (Bushi), where they received hospitality from the monarch of that region, Murira-Muhoyo. ALSO READ: Revealing a fresh perspective on political manipulation in Rwandan history The Rwandan court established itself at Rusozi (now Bukavu), while the Rwandan populace settled in the Rusizi valley, awaiting an opportune moment to return to Rwanda, a destiny temporarily left to fate. Cwa I, growing frustrated at finding Rwanda devoid of the cattle he coveted, shifted his focus southward and caught Nsoro II Sangano of Bugesera by surprise, taking him prisoner. Nsoro was reduced to serving as a guide in the pursuit of Mibambwe I Sekarongoro. The Banyoro invaders, in addition to their plundering objectives, sought to exact revenge on Rwandan warriors for the massacres and mutilations suffered during the initial invasion. As they pursued their target, the invaders also looted Nduga during their transit. Mashira maintained a low profile during this time, avoiding putting himself in harm's way. (Source: Traditional accounts and the book Inganji Karinga by Alex Kagame). To be continued...
