In the previous installment of this series, we left off with Prince Mashira, the King of Nduga, adopting a low profile strategy to avoid endangering himself in the face of invading Banyoro forces. These invaders, driven by vengeance, did not spread far into the kingdom. The Rwandan warriors soon learned of the Banyoro pursuit and decided to engage them. They estimated that the invading force's advance party was not significantly superior in numbers and needed to be harassed due to fatigue. Prince Forongo, the son of Mibambwe I Sekarongoro Mutabazi, was designated as the liberator (umucengeli) but tragically lost his life during the first encounter in Mwaga valley. ALSO READ: Political manipulation in Ancient Rwanda: The second Banyoro invasion Nevertheless, his fellow warriors forced the Banyoro invaders to retreat, while Nsoro II Sangano, exhausted from traveling on foot, found himself in the forests of Ngiga in the Congo-Nile divide. In a twist of events, a violent clash erupted between the Rwandans and the Banyabungo, escalating into a widespread battle. The Murira-Muhoyo warriors invaded the Rwandan court at Rusozi, resulting in the burning of Mibambwe I's residence. Tragically, Nyiramibambwe I Nyabadaha, Mibambwe's mother, perished in the flames alongside her entire household. Mibambwe I fled to the eastern bank of the Rusizi River, where he established his residence in Mururu, near the present-day town of Rusizi. This location, Mururu, has since been referred to in esoteric code as Buhima Ndyarya - the place where hypocrites were thwarted. With the successful repelling of the Banyoro invaders, Mibambwe I felt a sense of accomplishment and did not rush to return to Rwanda. The Banyoro stayed in Rwanda for some time, and it is believed that during their stay, they introduced bananas to Rwanda. As they departed, Cwa I fell ill and had to be transported to Bunyoro. Regrettably, he did not survive the journey and is said to have breathed his last in a place called Nkole za Gacucu in former Kigezi (in Uganda). Upon learning of the invaders' departure and Cwa I's death, the Rwandans wasted no time in returning home. The loss of Buganza and Bwanacyambwe, which were annexed by Gisaka, marked the definitive conquest of Nduga and the annexation of some provinces of the Bugara kingdom. As Mibambwe I prepared to return to his homeland, he sent messengers to Mashira, the King of Nduga and his son-in-law. He requested hospitality and free passage through Nduga's territory. Mashira, whose residence was on Rwesero Hill, where the Supreme Court was once located, planned to host a grand feast for his father-in-law in Nduga's capital. Mibambwe I accepted the invitation, and a lodge was prepared for him in Nyamagana, near Nyanza. However, during the festivities, Mibambwe 1's men unexpectedly arrested and killed Mashira, along with all of his male children. This marked the end of the Ababanda reign, and Nduga was subsequently reconquered with ease. Mibambwe I took great care to ensure that this conquest would not regain its independence and took the time to assimilate the country, seeing it as compensation for the territorial losses Rwanda had suffered to the east. Upon Mibambwe I's return, Kimenyi 2 Shumbusho of Gisaka had already claimed Buganza, Rukalyi, and Bwanacyambwe. He established his residence on Mount Kigali. Traditions suggest that the remains of this residence existed until recently, with the last trees disappearing during the reign of King Kigeli 4 Rwabugili. Mibambwe I, not content with the compensation of only Nduga, launched an attack on Muramira, the King of Bugara, annexing its regions, including Kibali, Bukonya, and Bugarura. The esoteric code tasked him with reconquering Mount Kabuye in the Gakenke district, with the conquest's limits extending to Mukungwa River to the west, Cyangabe (the northern part of Mukungwa) to the north, and Lake Ruhondo (now in the northern province). Seeking to avenge the death of his mother and secure the succession to the throne, Mibambwe I faced a significant challenge—attacking Bunyabungo alone was a daunting prospect. However, he managed to persuade Muhoza, the successor to Nsoro Sangano, and Ntare1 Rushatsi of Burundi to join him as allies. These two allies proved invaluable as they helped Mibambwe I in the attack on Bunyabungo. Each side looted according to their needs, and there was no unified command, making it impossible for Bunyabungo to resist three simultaneous assaults. The King of Bunyabungo perished in the midst of Bugesera warriors' fire. Murira-Muhoyo, who left behind a young pregnant wife, saw her taken captive by Bugesera warriors. She gave birth to a son, Nyebunga, who was raised in Bugesera. With Bunyabungo left without a hereditary prince, the leaders of the country eventually located Nyebunga and persuaded him to return secretly from Bugesera to Bunyabungo. He ascended to the throne under the name Ntsibura, marking a significant turning point in the region's history.
