On Thursday, July 31, 2025, the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Council, collaborating with local government officials, visited and engaged with residents at significant historical and cultural landmarks within Rulindo and Gakenke districts.
The delegation began their day at Huro, a renowned site for supplying crops used in Umuganura, Rwanda’s traditional harvest celebration. This culturally significant location was historically governed by the Abiru, ritualists famed for organizing Umuganura under Myaka’s lineage. Mudahinyuka Paulin, a respected elder born in 1947, elucidated Huro’s key role as a hub where crops were assembled before their journey to the royal court for ceremonial festivities. The site’s historical importance is immortalized in the Rwandan saying, “Ihuriro ni i Huro”, meaning "Unity lies in Huro."
Among Huro’s unique heritage features is the rain shrine, established by Minyaruko wa Nyamikenke, a former king of Busigi in the 16th century. The shrine originated at King Ruganzu II Ndoli’s behest, serving as a pivotal tool through which farmers of the Abiru lineage predicted rainfall patterns. Rituals conducted here sought to expedite rain when planting delays threatened crops required for Umuganura, cementing Huro as a center of agricultural and spiritual significance.
Jean Claude Uwiringiyimana, Deputy Chairperson of the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Council, highlighted the immense historical value embedded in Huro’s heritage, advocating for its preservation. Uwiringiyimana stated, “Heritage sites hold monumental value for a nation's cultural identity. Safeguarding these locations ensures that generations can inherit and cherish this national wealth, which must transcend the lifetimes of current custodians for posterity's sake."
The delegation progressed to Rwiri in Nturo, celebrated as the site where the historic royal drum Karinga was crafted. Symbolizing Rwanda’s monarchy for over 450 years, the drum was consecrated by Ruganzu II Ndori circa 1510 but relinquished in 1961 following the monarchy’s dissolution. Rwiri’s significance is tied to the artisan Minyaruko, famed for crafting Karinga upon King Ruganzu’s directive using a selected tree from Nturo’s dense forest. Minyaruko produced five drum sections, with the three lower portions refined into Bariba, Karinga, and Karihejuru.
Karinga, distinguished among the trio, emerged as the royal drum and was ceremonially bestowed upon Ruganzu II. Minyaruko’s son, Nyamigezi, supervised the transportation, ensuring their symbolic status endured deeply within Rwanda’s monarchic traditions.
In their closing remarks, Uwiringiyimana encouraged Gakenke and Rulindo residents to join the preservation efforts for these culturally significant sites, pledging broader collaboration between communities and authorities. He extended heartfelt appreciation to the districts’ leadership for their proactive initiatives in safeguarding Rwanda’s cultural legacy.
Huro in Gakenke was central to Umuganura harvest festivities
Visit to Rwiri in Nturo, the birthplace of Rwanda’s royal drum Karinga
Deputy Chairperson Jean Claude Uwiringiyimana emphasized collaboration in heritage conservation
The rain shrine at Huro continues to function during dry seasons, preserving Rwanda's indigenous rituals