Where did the name Kabuga come from? Once upon a time, in the villages of Rwanda, a wealthy farmer was nicknamed “Kabuga”. Now, here in Kabuga, we find ourselves in a town with a name echoing prosperity.
Kabuga is located within the Gasabo and Kicukiro districts. It is a vital part of Kigali City. Getting here is quite straightforward. Kabuga can be reached from Kigali in about 30 minutes by car. A bus ride takes a little longer around 34 minutes. The bus will only cost you a few dollars.
This town offers a unique blend of experiences. The local markets bustle with Rwandan handicrafts and vibrant fabrics from West Africa. Don’t miss the central market. You will find fruits, vegetables, rice and other essential food items. The second-hand clothes section is also quite interesting.
Dining in Kabuga is usually excellent. The culinary scene benefits from Belgian influences and fresh local ingredients. Expect a wait of up to an hour for your meal. If you are in a hurry, several African buffets offer quicker options.
Before we move on. I would like to tell you about a man with the same name as this town. Felicien Kabuga was born in Nyange. He started as a small-time merchant selling cigarettes and second-hand clothes. He moved to Kigali. He opened several businesses. He became a very rich businessman.
Kabuga’s influence extended into politics. One of his daughters married the son of President Juvénal Habyarimana. He was also the father-in-law of a government minister. Kabuga helped start the Radio Télévision Libre des Mille Collines RTLM. This radio station spread hateful messages against the Tutsi people.
After the genocide, Kabuga spent many years evading justice. He was arrested in France in 2020. He is currently on trial in The Hague. The trial is to determine his role in the Rwandan genocide. His story is a stark reminder of the complexities of wealth and power.
So as we explore Kabuga, remember its connection to both prosperity and a complicated past. This town is more than just a location on a map. It is a place with stories woven into its very name.