In our previous issue, we covered the meeting of Prince Rujugira and Queen Kalira, and how they fled to the Kingdom of Karagwe, fearing the wrath of King Yuhi III Mazimpaka. Today, we delve into Prince Rujugira’s return, the tragic death of his beloved wife Kalira, and the establishment of the first battalions by the newly crowned King Cyilima II, aimed at liberating Rwanda from foreign invasions. While Prince Rujugira was in Karagwe, King Yuhi III Mazimpaka grew old, and there was an increasing need for Prince Rujugira, the heir to the throne, to return. Despite numerous messengers sent by Mazimpaka, Rujugira refused to come back, leading to the king's death. In Rujugira’s absence, his brother, Karemera Rwaka, was crowned king. Shortly after, Karemera became blind. Many believed this was a sign that Karemera was unworthy of the throne, which rightfully belonged to Rujugira. After Karemera’s blindness, the king's counsellors reconvened to discuss how to bring Prince Rujugira back. They sent another messenger, but once again, he refused to return. Desperate, the elders devised a plan: they knew Rujugira's deep love for his wife Kalira and his son Sharangabo, so they kidnapped both and brought them back to Rwanda, hoping that Rujugira would follow. Despite this, Rujugira remained in Karagwe, while Kalira was taken to Kamonyi. In Kamonyi, Kalira contracted leprosy and was isolated in Mpushi, Kivumu until she recovered. Upon recovery, she returned to Kamonyi, where she was asked to make a special fragrance, which was then sent to Karagwe. When Rujugira smelled the fragrance, he immediately recognized his wife’s handi-work. The servant who delivered it persuaded Rujugira to return home. Upon his return, Rujugira was warmly welcomed and crowned King of Rwanda, taking the name Cyilima II, replacing the now-blind Karemera. However, despite his rise to power, Rujugira faced a new challenge. The royal code prohibited a king from remaining married to a wife with whom he had lived with in exile. To avoid breaking this taboo, the counsellors secretly plotted to poison Kalira. One of the counsellors, Rugira, who was loyal to King Rujugira, informed him of the plot. The king, stunned by the news, asked Rugira, “Will she really be poisoned?” Rugira, filled with sorrow, confirmed the grim truth. King Rujugira and Rugira rushed to Kamonyi to save Kalira, but they were too late—she had already been poisoned. Upon hearing the news of her death, Rujugira was devastated, exclaiming, “Kalira, I truly loved you,” and lamenting, “Ntabyera ngo de! Ubona iyo nima kalinga ndikumwe na Kalira,” meaning, “Nothing is ever perfect; I would have loved to be king with you by my side.” In mourning, King Rujugira declared seven weeks of grief, during which he abstained from milk, meat, and the company of women. In his sorrow, he often called for his son, Sharangabo, as a reminder of Kalira. During this period, King Cyilima II Rujugira was largely a figurehead, with the affairs of the kingdom being managed by his counsellors. After Kalira’s death, his counsellors convened a meeting to inform him of the kingdom’s dire state. The neighbouring kingdoms of Burundi, Ndorwa, and Gisaka were planning to invade Rwanda, with support from the followers of Karemera Rwaka, who had aligned with the King of Burundi. Faced with the imminent threat, King Cyilima II Rujugira resolved to act. He gathered his sons, including Sharangabo, Ndabarasa, Gihana, Mudenge, and Gashikazi, along with his daughter, Princess Mitunga. The meeting took place at Mont Kigali, where they could see the kingdoms of Ndorwa, Gisaka, and Burundi in the distance. The king informed his family of the enemies’ plan to destroy the kingdom and emphasised the need for a preemptive strike, famously declaring, “U Rwanda ruratera ntiruterwa,” meaning, “Rwanda strikes first, it does not get invaded.” To defend the kingdom, King Cyilima II and his children formed battalions: Abakemba and Imvejuru were led by Sharangabo; Abatanyagwa by Gihana; Intarindwa and Ababito by Ndabarasa; and Princess Mitunga led Abarima. Though Cyilima kings traditionally did not lead wars, King Cyilima II Rujugira formed and led the battalions Indara and Ababanda. Additionally, a battalion of young fighters, known as Indirira, was established under the leadership of Muciye, a grandson of King Yuhi III Mazimpaka, to provide backup if needed. In our next issue, we will explore how these brave battalions, led by King Cyilima II Rujugira, defended the kingdom and ensured its survival. Until then, stay blessed.
