Ruganzu II Ndoli was King of the Kingdom of Rwanda from 1510 until death in 1543 at Karongi to day. He was the son of King Ndahiro II Cyamatare and Nyirangabo-ya-Nyantaba. Not only a skilled warrior, but legends also credit him with magical abilitie. He was a great warrior and was alleged to have performed miracles.
A prince in exile, hope for the defeated country
To protect Ndori, King Ndahiro Cyamatare sent him to his sister, Queen Nyabunyana of Karagwe, before his own death in Rubi rw’I Nyundo (present-day Rubavu District).
Mission of Ruganzu was Living up to his regnal name, “Ruganzu” (meaning “to dominate”), this warrior king expanded Rwanda’s territory. He formed a formidable shock battalion of Ibisumizi warriors, conquering many neighboring kingdoms.
How the Ibisumizi and Ruganzu celebrated their victory
Legend says atop Mount Huye lies a board game carved in rock. Here, after conquering Bungwe, Ruganzu and his Ibisumizi warriors celebrated with a game of igisoro.
Some of the great achievements of Ruganzu II Ndoli
Ruganzu, famed conqueror of Nduga and avenger against Nsibura (his father’s killer), established the Karinga royal drum and the itorero schools. He also implemented the Ubuhake system and added Bariba & Karihejuru drums. King Ruganzu’s legend portrays him as a magician-king. Historical sites linked to his stories showcase these beliefs.
Famous Battle: War to conquer Bungwe
Seeing the kingdom of Bungwe’s strong army and python-guarded palace, Ruganzu offered Nyagakecuru goats (who ate a power-giving plant). With the python weakened, he attacked.
At Ruganzu’s footprint – Ku kirenge cya Ruganzu
The narratives say that when Ruganzu II Ndori, together with his troops arrived in this area, they ran out of drinking water. King Ruganzu II Ndori stood on a rock and drew his feet, took a bow and arrow and shot at the mountain in front of him, a stream emerged from it.
The stone of Bagenge – Ibuye rya Bagenge
Local legends claim this rock once moved at night, destroying everything in its path – trees, houses, even mountains. King Ruganzu II Ndoli, wielding his magical spear, brought a halt to its rampage, forever stopping its movement.
