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Kigeli I Mukobanya was, according to tradition, Mwami of the Kingdom of Rwanda dated to 1378 C.E to 1418 C.E.
| Kigeli I Mukobanya | |
|---|---|
| Mwami (King) of Rwanda | |
| Burial | Rubingo Shyorongi |
| Dynasty | Nyiginya dynasty (2nd) |
| Father | Cyilima Rugwe |
| Mother | Nyirakigeri I Nyanguge |
His reign was characterized by the infiltration and surprise attack near his Kigali hill palace by the army of King Cwamali of Bunyoro in Uganda. Kigeli I together with his son Sekarongoro I staged a defensive fight against Cwamali's army around what is modern-day Kigali city. Sekarongoro I Mutabazi got injured on the forehead and bled which led Rwanda army to retreat. King Kigeli I Mukobanya withdrew from his palace with his cows and re-positioned across Nyabarongo River. Cwamali's army burnt his house and planted a victory tree at Runda. They then crossed the river and pursued Kigeli I. This time Kigeli I Mukobanya's army had reorganized itself and returned a powerful counteroffensive. Bunyoro army suffered numerous casualties and a huge defeat. Some were captured as prisoners of war. The Banyoro captives had their fingers and toes mutilated and sent back to Bunyoro as a message to instill fear into King Cwamali. Various independent scholars, describe Kigeli I Mukobanya to have conquered and ruled Bunyoro and Buganda as he is believed to be listed as Kigala Mukabya in Buganda oral history.