This article contains a list of kings of Rwanda. The Kingdom of Rwanda was ruled by sovereigns titled mwami (plural abami), and was one of the oldest and the most centralized kingdoms in the history of Central and East Africa.
Its state and affairs before King Gihanga I is largely unconfirmed and highly shrouded in mythical tales.
Kings of Rwanda
Abami b'imishumi (descendants of Ibimanuka gods) – B.C.E
Gihanga I
Kanyarwanda I Gahima I
Kimari Cya Rurenge
Ndahiro I Bamara (Wamala) Ruganzu I Nyarume Ntarama Rubanda (Lugalbanda) Rumeza I Yuhi I Musindi Rumeza II Ndahiro II Ruyange Ndahiro III Ndoba Ndahiro IV Samembe Nsoro I Samukondo Nsoro II Byinshi Ruganzu II Bwimba Cyilima I Rugwe
1st Abami Bibitekerezo (1st Common Era Kings) Kigeli I Mukobanya (1378–1418) Mibambwe I Sekarongoro I Mutabazi Yuhi II Gahima II Ndahiro V Cyamatare
2nd Abami Bibitekerezo (2nd Common Era Kings)
Ruganzu III Ndoli
Kalemera Rwaka
Mutara I Nsoro III Semugeshi
Kigeli II Nyamuheshera (1576–1609) Mibamwe II Sekarongoro II Gisanura (1609–1642) Yuhi III Mazimpaka (1642–1675) Cyilima II Rujugira (1675–1708) Kigeli III Ndabarasa (1708–1741) Mibambwe III Mutabazi II Sentabyo (1741–1746) Yuhi IV Gahindiro (1746–1802) Mutara II Rwogera (1802–1853) Kigeli IV Rwabugiri (1853 – November 1895) Mibambwe IV Rutarindwa (November 1895 – December 1896) Yuhi V Musinga (1883 – 13 January 1944; ) Mutara III Rudahigwa (March 1911 – 25 July 1959; ) Kigeli V Ndahindurwa (29 June 1936 – 16 October 2016; )
Pretenders since 1961
On 28 January 1961, during the Rwandan Revolution, the country abolished its monarchy and became a republic (retroactively approved by a referendum held on 25 September of the same year). Afterwards, Kigeli V Ndahindurwa continued to maintain his claim to the throne until his death on 16 October 2016 in Washington, D.C. On 9 January 2017, the Royal Council of Abiru announced Prince Emmanuel Bushayija as the new heir to the throne. Prince Emmanuel adopted the regnal name Yuhi VI.
