On the 65th anniversary of his death, King Mutara III Rudahigwa’s reign, characterized by fierce opposition to Belgian colonialists and strides toward modernization, is celebrated and remembered by his family and Rwandans at the Mwima Mausoleum in Nyanza District. This site, the final resting place for two Rwandan kings and one queen, hosts annual commemorations honoring his contributions.
Born as the first of 43 children to King Yuhi IV Musinga, Rudahigwa’s leadership journey began early. By 1929, at the age of 18, he was appointed Subchief of Ndiza, now part of Muhanga District. This role placed him in direct conflict with Belgian colonialists, who sought to diminish his father’s influence.
Despite the tension, there was no animosity between father and son. Instead, King Musinga advised Rudahigwa to cooperate with the colonialists to protect Rwandan interests.
In 1931, following his father’s exile to DR Congo, Rudahigwa was crowned King. Clotilde Umubyeyi, a historian, recounts how Rudahigwa continued his father’s legacy by navigating the complex political landscape to benefit Rwandans.
“Rudahigwa informed his father that the colonialists intended to enthrone a new monarch. His father advised him to adhere to their rules to help Rwandans transition to this new system,” Umubyeyi said. “He reminded Rudahigwa that while the colonialists would attempt to influence the people, he would remain as an intermediary to safeguard their interests.”
Reforms and Advocacy
One of Rudahigwa’s first major reforms was abolishing slavery, known locally as “Ikiboko,” where workers were whipped to compel labour. He championed fair working conditions, a radical move that angered colonial authorities but improved the lives of many Rwandans.
Rudahigwa also prioritised education. After visiting Belgium in 1949, he questioned why the Belgians hadn’t improved education in Rwanda despite promises of development. By 1950, he had initiated numerous educational reforms, establishing primary, secondary, and vocational schools. He created the Mutara Fund to support access to education, marking a shift towards a more educated citizenry.
Economic Initiatives
The King’s vision extended to economic development. He built a storage facility for agricultural produce, a milk dairy, and an artificial lake in Nyanza District.
These projects provided employment and boosted local industries, showcasing a commitment to Rwandan self-sufficiency and progress.
Struggle for Sovereignty
Rudahigwa’s efforts to establish a Rwandan national army were thwarted by the Belgians, who preferred mercenaries from DR Congo. Undeterred, he formed a National Council in 1953 to advise on national matters, bypassing the colonial administration.
His frustration with Belgian interference was evident during his visit to the Brussels World’s Fair in 1958. There, he sought support from Germany, recalling the strong relationship his father had with the former colonial power.
In a clandestine operation, Germany agreed to supply Rwanda with weapons, marking a step towards re-establishing a national defence.
Unfortunately, his efforts were cut short. In his book ‘La Fabrication du Hutism ou l’ideologie du Genocide contre les Tutsi’, Ambassador Murashi writes that the King left Rwanda on July 23, 1959, to Bujumbura to meet Governor Harroy and complete his travel documents for a UN meeting in the United States, where he planned to demand Rwanda’s independence. However, he did not find the governor.
On July 25, Rudahigwa went for his Yellow Fever Vaccination from his Doctor–Julien Vinch at Prince Regent Charles where he was mysteriously killed. The circumstances of his death remain unclear, and no one has been held accountable.
Regardless, his legacy continues to inspire and guide the aspirations of all Rwandans, ensuring that his contributions are not only remembered but also celebrated as an integral part to the nation’s growth and resilience.
