Abagiri (Bagiri) Clan: Who are they? What are their historical contributions?

Abagiri, while considered as one of the main Bafumbira Clans, less is known or written about Abagiri (Bagiri) clan. Well, one of our audience and member of Bafumbira Beza asked us to explore more about this clan and report back to her. We tried to do the assigment and the report is here to benefit her and all of us here at Bafumbira Beza. The question is simple: Who are Abagiri? Who were they historically? And what are they generally known for? Let’s get into it!

Abagiri: Their Ancestral Origin and Totem

Oral traditions have it that Abagiri or Bagiri people originate from their mythical ancestor, Bigirimana, one of the founding fathers of the different Rwandan or Bafumbira Clans. Some social media sources confirm Bigirimana as the founding father and place Abagiri as a sub-clan of Abakono, a thing I have failed to verify. So, maybe Mugiri is a descendant of Bigirimana.

Another social media post shows that Abagiri are also a founding clan of many other sub-clans, including Abeega. We will have time to fully review Abega or Abeega and I am sure we will cover these stories.

Concerning their totem, some say it is a Crow (Igikona) or Enkanda (animal hide or skin), which we call Uruhu rw’Inka or whatever other animal they mean, especifically if we refer to Ba-Mugiri, a common clan among the Bakiga of Kigezi or Kabale. Others say it is a crested crane, while others say it is a small bird mostly found in wetlands. Crazy confusion, isn’t it? Well, I would go with a crow!

Of course, as for many other Bafumbira Clans, Abagiri are originally Banyarwanda. Apparently, the story goes, around 15th century, a Rwandan King named King Yuhi II Gahima requested the Bagiri (Abagiri) to participate with him in his Rwanda Expansion and conquest ambitions, and this clan refused. The clan leader at the time saw it pointless to shade blood for his people for the endless quests of the King. Good decision, right? You will tell me!

Well, the King later persecuted most of the clan members, which led to their migration from Rwanda to neighboring territories of Northern Province (Bufumbira or Rwanda’s Musanze), Kigezi (Kabale), and Democratic Republic of Congo. According to a detailed story regarding the migration of Bakiga from Rwanda to Kabale, most of these Abagiri (or Bagiri) people settled in Kabale around 1522. In other words, a significant number of Bafumbira, Bakiga, and even a few from DRC are actually Abagiri or from Abagiri clan.

Wait! Do you know any Mugiri? Could you be the one? How about meeting each other on this Bafumbira Beza Platform. See your corner here: BAGIRI CLAN.

Abagiri: What are they known for?

Oral stories regarding the historical and cultural conduct among Abagiri reveal about four characteristics about this clan. NB. These are generalizations, not necessarily evidence-based truths! As such, take them with a grain of salt.

1. They value independence and freedom over anything else. Abagiri do not like to be ordered around or being micromanaged. They love being and doing their bidding, and not other people’s tools. I love this! I am sure it is one of the reasons they disobeyed their King’s order and instead chose to migrate!

2. Abagiri have high reverance for bloodline respect and care. Yes, it is said that clan members truly value and care for the welfare of their clan members. In fact, even amidst disagreements, Abagiri will always figure out ways to get back into the arms of their own. Great.

3. Abagiri are hard-working. There is no doubt about this! They ploughed the slopes of Muhabura ranges for centuries, producing all sorts of food and products.

4. Abagiri are known to be truth-tellers. They do not only tell or share truth; they share it bluntly, directly, and openly! Wait! Now we can all see where the Bakiga came from or who they they really are! Hahahahaha. Great attribute.

Anyway, that is all we know for now! Do you have some more information about this clan? Tell us! Thank you.

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 below. Thank you.