Abenegitore Clan and their Scandalous Origin: Do we have this clan among Bafumbira? You will love its roots!

In Rwandan oral tradition and history, the Abenegitore or Abenegitori (meaning “Descendants of Gitore”) are an influential lineage tracing their roots back to the early Rwandan royal house. The stories surrounding them primarily focus on the remarkable, almost mythical tale of their founding ancestor and their centuries-long role in shaping the nation’s culture, politics, and military.

In this brief article, we explore who the Abenegitore are, their historical roles, and the possibility of their presence among the Bafumbira People of Kisoro District in Uganda.

The Legend of Gitore’s Secret Birth

The most famous story associated with the Abenegitore is the traditional myth explaining how their forefather, Gitore, came to be. Because of this specific origin legend, members of the Abenegitore lineage are traditionally lighthearted or colloquially referred to in folklore as Abana b’imbwa (“Children of the dog”). Wait! Without wasting your time, let us explore the story of their origin.

The Taboo Pregnancy: According to ancient oral histories, King Kigeli I Mukobanya had a forbidden relationship with a woman from the ibyendajuru, a class of palace attendants and service workers. Some say these were ‘women left-overs‘ after a King had selected their favorite wife. Whatever they were, it looks, Royal customs strictly forbade the king from having romantic associations or children with women of this social standing.
The Forest Ruse: To protect the newborn child and conceal the scandal, the king arranged for the baby to be secretly abandoned in a nearby forest just before a royal hunting party departed.
The Hunting Dog: During the expedition, one of the king’s top hunting dogs named GITORE discovered the infant carefully wrapped in animal skins. The hunters brought the baby back to the royal court.
The Naming: Pretending the child was a miraculous, orphaned find, the king ordered that he be raised right inside the palace. He named the boy Gitore, directly after the loyal royal hunting dog that had “found” him.

This specific origin legend led to the clan’s lighthearted colloquial nickname: Abana b’imbwa (“Children of the dog”)

Abenegitore Roles: What the Lineage is Known For:

Over the centuries, Gitore’s descendants expanded into a massive and highly revered branch of the royal house of Rwanda (or Abanyiginya), performing critical functions within the kingdom:

• Warriors and Military Leaders: The Abenegitore produced legendary commanders. For instance, a famous descendant named Rutishereka was a military chief entrusted to command the fierce Abashakamba army regiment under the reign of King Rutalindwa in the late 1880s.
• Zuba, the son of Gitore, commanded the elite Amatanangabo regiment under King Yuhi II Gahima.
• Royal Mother Linens: The lineage held substantial political sway behind the throne, marrying into other ruling branches and producing several powerful Abagabekazi (Queen Mothers) who guided kings like Mutara I Semugeshi and Mutara II Rwogera.
• Guardians of Cultural Memory: Beyond the battlefield and the court, members of this family were deeply respected as Abasizi (court poets) and traditional historians, preserving Rwanda’s precolonial music, epics, and ancestral wisdom across generations. Notable later descendants included prominent 20th-century cultural figures, such as Father Byusa Eustache.

Abenegitore among Bafumbira: The Bafumbira Connection

Do we have the Abenegitore among the Bafumbira? While the core of their historical narrative is centered on the central Rwandan court, their presence in Bufumbira is a result of the historical processes of migration and colonial border shifts discussed in our earlier articles.

As noted in the works of Nsanzabera Jean de Dieu, the Abanyiginya hub (to which the Abenegitore royal lineage belongs) was one of the primary drivers of territorial expansion. As such, during the peak of the kingdom’s reach, particularly under King Kigeri Rwabugiri, Rwandan lineages penetrated the northern volcanic regions, including Bufumbira.

When the international borders were demarcated between 1910 and 1912 (we discussed these details earlier), many clans that were part of the Rwandan social and political fabric were “trapped” or separated into neighboring countries like Uganda and the DRC. Is this clear? So before I proceed, tell me, what do you think? Do we have Abenegitore in Kisoro among the Bafumbira or we don’t?

In my view, because the Abenegitore were so widely represented in the kingdom’s administration and military, serving as chiefs and commanders across various hills, it is highly probable that members of this lineage are found among the Bafumbira today. Their roots remain tied to the “Foundling Prince” Gitore, and their history is a testament to the shared royal pedigree that links the people of the Great Lakes region across modern borders.

Last question, are you a Gitore? Do you any Benegitore around? Let them know we cherish them!

NB: Bafumbira Beza members always ask us to dive deeper into their clans and we write full dedicated articles and videos on each of the clans. If your clan is not covered or you would like to do you the honors, just let us know. Otherwise, read all clan-focused articles here. Thank you.