Pre-Colonial History of Kigali

Originally in the geographical ritual realms, Kigali was among the various lands along the Nyabarongo River that included Bumbogo, Buriza and Banacyambwe, where the "cattle kings" of first regnal name, (CYIRIMA/MUTARA) presided over complex rituals of magical renewal.

It is however not surprising to see Kigali among those lands where great kings presided over complex rituals of magic renewal because 16th century literature, tells of how King Kigeri Mukobanya conquered Buliza and Bumbogo and was awarded Mount Kigali as the seat of his residence by the King of Bugesera. His successor Mibambwe I Mutabazi, anexed the Bugesera and the then natural region of Bwanacyambwe-sud was added to Rwanda.