Gicumbi: Residents Call for Royal Burial Sites to Become Tourist Attractions
Residents of Gicumbi District, particularly in Rutare Sector, where the remains of ten kings and queen mothers are said to be buried, are calling for the area to be properly developed and turned into a historical site that can attract tourists.
When Greenafrica.rw visited the burial site of King Kigeri IV Rwabugiri and learned about the history of other kings laid to rest in this sector, local residents emphasized the need for better maintenance, cleanliness, and improved road access, given the site’s historical significance to Rwanda.
Rwandekwe Innocent stated: “Here lies the remains of King Kigeri IV Rwabugiri. He is a well-known figure in history. Sometimes students are brought here to learn about how and why kings were relocated to be buried in Rutare. It would be great if the site was also promoted as a tourist destination, but it needs proper maintenance and regular cleaning.”
Nyiraneza added: “There should be staff assigned to take care of this place daily because it holds important historical value. If it were well-developed, it could also create job opportunities for us while benefiting the local economy through tourism.”
An elder who is also a history teacher in Rutare Sector explained that the site was originally intended to serve as the final resting place for kings named Mutara, Kigeri, and Cyirima. However, for unknown reasons, none of the Cyirima kings were ever buried there.
He further stated that the kings and queen mothers currently buried in Rutare include King Kigeri Mukobanya, King Kigeri Rwabugiri, King Kigeri Nyamuheshera, and King Kigeri Ndabarasa.
Several queen mothers have also been laid to rest in this sector, including Queen Mother Nyirakigeri I Nyanguge, Queen Mother Nyirakigeri Rwesero, Queen Mother Nyiramibambwe Nyiratamba, and Queen Mother Nyirayuhi V Kanjogera.
Joseph Munyezamu, a governance officer in Gicumbi District, explained that the preservation of royal burial sites is already being monitored. However, if there is a demand for them to be turned into tourism sites, the issue can be advocated for at the appropriate levels.
He stated: “These royal burial sites hold great historical significance, and we are committed to preserving them. If there is a call to make them accessible to tourists, we will advocate for it so that the relevant authorities can take necessary action.”
Rutare Sector is home to several locations linked to the history of royal burials, including areas beneath the road near the tomb of King Kigeri IV, the burial site of Queen Mother Kanjogera, the vicinity of Rutare Church, near the Rutare Sector office, and a place known as Nyanshenge.
