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Explore Imirara Ancestry

Children, fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers

  1. Browse the imirara

    Open the full roster of Banyamulenge imirara. Every tribe listed here has a living lineage ready to explore.

  2. Open a living tree

    Search names, expand generations, and follow houses and sub-clans in the interactive family tree.

  3. Read the story

    Learn migration routes, royal lineage, notable ancestors, and the structure of each documented tribe.

  4. Trace your house

    Find the inzu and imiryango that belong to your family — then follow the names generation by generation.

Lineage terms

Terms of belonging

A few lineage terms that carry the meaning of belonging.

Umurara (imirara)

A tribe — one of the main Banyamulenge peoples. Plural: imirara.

Inzu / Bene

A house, or a Bene (descendants) block — a major branch descended from a shared ancestor.

Ibisekuruza

Formal genealogy listing — the recorded line of ancestors.

Umuryango (imiryango)

A clan or sub-clan; a family grouping within a house (inzu).

Kwibwirana

The custom of introducing yourself by your lineage so kin can recognise how they are related.

Sekuru

Grandfather or founding ancestor; e.g. 'sekuru w'Abazigura' means the ancestor of the Abazigura.

The tribes · imirara

Every lineage has a story to open

27 imirara. Each with its own ancestors, houses, and highland path. We're opening them one by one — into a living family tree you can walk through.

27 tribes (imirara)