Kongolo Mwamba

Kongolo was a great leader of Luba people in the region of Katanga.

Kongolo was the first king Luba, he built his capital in Mwibele, near Lake Boya. Some stories say it would origins Songye. Kongolo (or Nkongolo) Mwamba was trying to extend his kingdom in conquering the Songye neighbouring chiefdoms.

He meets a prince of the tribe Kunda on behalf of Ilunga Mbidi through its sisters who had met at the lake, the latter being a late military strategist helped him expand its Kingdom. The popularity and the growing power of Mbidi Ilunga was shading to Kongolo, who advised by his entourage, organized a conspiracy to eliminate it. With the help of his wives, Ilunga Mbidi put abscond by leaving women and children and return to land Kunda.

A son of Ilunga Mbidi, replying on behalf of Kalala Ilunga taken the place of his father as one of the generals among the warring forces. He also became very powerful, which inquiéta Kongolo. Kongolo tried several times to remove his nephew but failed. At the last attempt, Kalala Ilunga decided to end it pourchassa Kongolo after a victory on the battlefield and killed. After severing the head and genitals of Kongolo, he was proclaimed Emperor, Mulopwe.