MAKOMBE

Makombe (circa 1800-circa 1860) served as Mwami (ruler) of the Shi people living southwest of Lake Kivu. His capital was situated at Kabare, about 10 km (6 mi) west of modern Bukavu.

The son of the Shi ruler Birhenjira and of Mwa Buniagu, Makombe was born at Bushangabuye. In order to protect the young Makombe from the wrath of his step-mother, Mwa Murhwa, Birhenjira sent the boy to Rwanda, where he spent his youth in the court of King Mutara II. There, he received training as a warrior and fought in Mutara’s wars at Gisaka and Ndorwa. When Birhenjira died in about 1820, Makombe succeeded him as ruler of Bushi (as the Shi land is known).

As ruler, Makombe profited from his experience in Rwanda. He had to repel the invasions of Mutara II, his former protector, as well as those of Kingeli IV. The most important incident of Makombe’s reign, perhaps even of the dynasty, was his victory over the adjacent Havu people. Pushing the Havu north, he fixed the Bushi frontier at Nyabaronge, and placed his son Bigomokaro Karhana in the region of Katana, about 20 km (12 mi) west of Bukavu, to guard the border.

When Makombe died in about 1860, his son Byaterana (circa 1845-1884) succeeded him as ruler.

PILIPILI KAGABO