Got an idea for a holiday? Send it to us

Submit Now

MonOct 13

Prince Louis Rwagasore Day – October 13, 2025

Prince Louis Rwagasore Day is celebrated annually on October 13. It is a public holiday celebrated in Burundi, located in east-central Africa. The holiday was made to continuously commemorate the life of Louis Rwagasore, a Burundian prince and politician. He served as the second prime minister of Burundi for only two weeks until he was assassinated on October 13, 1961, which is why this day is chosen to be celebrated annually. He grew up with the intention and actions of reaching independence in the fight against Belgium. He had great ability in diplomatic relationships and was good at unifying Burundi.

History of Prince Louis Rwagasore Day

Louis Rwagasore was born on January 10, 1932, in Gitega, the capital of Burundi. He is the son of Mwami (meaning chief or king) Mwambusta IV and Therese Kanyonga. Rwagasore started attending school at seven years old, entering Catholic institutions in Bukeye, Kanyinya, and Gitega. He earned a degree in political economy at the Catholic University of Leuven. He studied hard and finished his degree even though he was not financially stable and had a poor background. He returned to Urundi in December of 1956.

He had a great spirit of leadership and a background in economics and politics. To add to this, he had strong relationships with people who helped him reach African independence. He was able to meet Congo’s Patrice Lumumba, exchange letters with Egypt’s Gamal Abdel Nasser, and create and improve his political project with the help of his friend Julius Nyerere. The project failed, but he became more known than ever. He took the opportunity to create his party, the Union for National Progress and Unity Party (UPRONA), in 1958. He fought and pushed for Burundi’s independence from Belgian colonization and promoted national unity. Rwagasore was able to bring appeal and demand for UPRONA even though the Belgia administration made initiatives to dismantle UPRONA and stop his endeavors.

Rwagasore became Prime Minister when he won 80% of the votes in the 1961 elections. 16 days later, however, he was killed on October 13, 1961, in a hotel restaurant. It was only on July 1, 1962, that Burundi was granted total independence.

Prince Louis Rwagasore Day timeline

1932
The Birth of a Prince

Prince Louis Rwagasore is born.

1958
The Rise of a Political Party

Union for National Progress and Unity Party (UPRONA) is created.

1961
Landslide Victory

Rwagasore becomes the first elected Prime Minister.

1961
Killed Suddenly

On October 13, Rwagasore is assassinated two weeks after being elected Prime Minister.

1962
Freedom for Burundi

On July 1, Burundi is granted independence.

Prince Louis Rwagasore Day FAQs

Who assassinated Louis Rwagasore?

A Greek National, Jean Kageorgis, had fired the shot — and three Burundian accomplices, namely Antoine Nahimana, Henri Ntakiyica, and Jean-Baptiste Ntakiyica.

What did Burundi used to be called?

Before independence, the country used to be called Ruanda-Urundi.

What is Burundi famous for?

Burundi is known to be “the Heart of Africa” because of its shape and location within the continent.

How to Observe Prince Louis Rwagasore Day

  1. Study the history of the prince himself

    Prince Louis Rwagasore was a pivotal figure in the independence of Burundi. Commemorate him by learning more about his life and his endeavors toward Burundi.

  2. Be an active citizen

    Show your love for your country. Be the type of person who shows love for their country by participating in its political process in any way you can.

  3. Celebrate the day itself

    Celebrating Prince Louis Rwagasore Day is a way to show pride and love for your fellow citizens and country. Recognize the true meaning of this day and what it means to the country.

5 Facts About Prince Rwagasore

  1. He was part of an ethnic group

    Prince Louis was part of the Tutsi tribe, the second largest of three main ethnic groups.

  2. His father was a king

    He is the eldest son of King Mwami Mwambusta IV.

  3. A Belgian citizen did not kill him

    A Greek citizen, Jean Kageorgis, who had lived in Burundi for many years, assassinated him.

  4. He was confined

    The Belgian administration did not like UPRONA, so they placed Rwagasore under house arrest.

  5. He countered ethnic division

    Even though he was a Tutsi, he married a Hutu.

Why Prince Louis Rwagasore Day is Important

  1. It brings about triumph

    Prince Louis Rwagasore Day is a day filled with joy and elation. Burundians feel pride when this day comes out because they know it links to the freedom they enjoy today.

  2. Citizens can show their love for the country

    This is a day for showing patriotism and love for the country. On this day, they are proud to call Burundi their home.

  3. A day to celebrate a hero

    Rwagasore is celebrated in Burundi as a hero. People acclaim his achievements in the independence of the country. A stadium and a football club are named after him.

Prince Louis Rwagasore Day dates

Year Date Day
2025 October 13 Monday
2026 October 13 Tuesday
2027 October 13 Wednesday
2028 October 13 Friday
2029 October 13 Saturday