Uvira

Ruzizi River, July 2010

Uvira is characterized by the presence of several rivers and is rich in streams. The city is dominated by Lake Tanganyika, which borders it from the northeast and southeast. From the west, Uvira is crossed by various rivers, namely the Kamberulu River, Ruzizi River, Kakungwe River, Kibinda River, Kamanyola River, Kalimabenge River, Mulongwe River, and Kanvinvira River. The presence of Lake Tanganyika significantly influences the climate and weather patterns in the region, as large bodies of water have an impact on local temperatures and precipitation. Additionally, the lake's hydrological cycle, including evaporation and rainfall, plays a crucial role in determining the overall water resources available to Uvira and its surrounding areas.[10]

Kalundu port, Uvira, June 2021

Uvira experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The city falls within the equatorial zone and maintains warm temperatures throughout the year. The average annual temperature in Uvira varies depending on the seasons and the relief. It is minimal during the dry season (20 °C to 30 °C) in the Ruzizi Plain and 15 °C to 25 °C in the High Plateau. The wet season in Uvira typically occurs from January to mid-May and from mid-September to December. During this time, the city receives a significant amount of rainfall, which sustains the lush vegetation and supports agricultural activities in the region. On the other hand, the dry season, from June to September, is characterized by lower rainfall and drier conditions. Temperatures during this period can be slightly cooler compared to the wet season.[10]

The region is part of the Albertine Rift, which is a branch of the Great Rift Valley system. This geological setting is characterized by tectonic activity, including faulting and volcanic activity. The presence of the nearby Itombwe Mountains indicates the volcanic origins of the area. The mountains are part of a volcanic chain formed by ancient eruptions. Additionally, the region has experienced seismic activity in the past due to the tectonic forces associated with the East African Rift System. Uvira and its surrounding areas includes various types of rocks, such as volcanic rocks, sedimentary rocks, and metamorphic rocks.[11][12]

The migratory dispersions undertaken by the Bavira prior to their eventual settlement in the Uvira Territory.

Uvira has a rich history, shaped by the convergence of different ethnic groups over time. According to Alfred Moeller de Laddersous, the region's first inhabitants were Bazoba fishermen, who established their presence around the shores of Lake Tanganyika.[14][15] In the 17th century, the Vira people journeyed from Lwindi (now Lwindi Chiefdom), near the Ulindi River in the mountainous hinterland, to settle near Lake Tanganyika.[15][16][17]

Following the Vira settlement, the Bahamba clan of the Fuliiru people arrived in the region, establishing themselves north of the Bavira, partly within Bavira territory. Notably, the Bahamba clan had their own paramount leader who operated independently from the Bavira paramount. Gradually, the Bahamba clan expanded their paramountcy, occupying considerable localities along the north-western coastline of the Ruzizi Plain, stretching from Uvira to Luvungi. The expansion led to the establishment of the Bahamba dynasty of Bafuliiru, which governed the various parts of the region. Inter-marriage between the Bavira and Bafuliiru clans occurred, further intertwining their cultures and forging social connections.[18][19]

In the latter half of the 19th century, the region experienced an influx of Barundi and Banyarwanda immigrants. The Barundi immigrants were predominantly Tutsis, accompanied by a smaller number of Hutus who were harbored in Ruzizi Plain by Fuliiru agriculturalists. They were later dispersed to various localities in Uvira.[20] Conversely, the majority of Banyarwanda immigrants were mostly Tutsi herders who were accommodated by Fuliiru chief in Mulenge and Upper Sange, incrementally establishing their presence.[21][22]

During the Rwandan Revolution and the Rwandan genocide, a significant number of refugees settled in various villages, districts, and ports of Uvira.[23][24][25][26]

Between the 1850s and 1890s, Burundi's shoreline served as an entrepôt for the slave traffic coming from the eastern part of the Congo Free State. Arab-Swahili merchants, who were majorly warlords involved in the Indian Ocean slave trade, procured slaves from the area for the purpose of trading. They mainly operated in Uvira, Katanga, Nyangwe, Kasaï, Kabinda, Kirundu, and Baraka.[27][28][29]

Three men of Dugumbé ben Habib raiding the market of Nyangwe, July 15th, 1871

Father Van der Burgt noted in his Dictionary that in 1897–8, there were a few discreet slave dealers in Uzige (in the region of Usumbura), Bangwana (Islamized people from Unyamwezi or the Congo basin), Basumbwa, Bavira (from the country of Uvira), and Bayangayanga (peddlers from the southern part of Burundi, specialized in the trade of salt and iron). He added that a boy was worth two to four fundo or strings of beads, while a girl was worth twice as much (a fundo was valued at 0.30F at that time).[30] In Uvira, Arab-Swahili traders established commercial networks and often collaborated with local intermediaries to capture, enslave, and transport people. The native population also engaged in trade, exchanging slaves, ivory, iron objects, bark clothing, palm oil, bananas, grain, and cassava, which led to the development of a significant commercial center that traded products from all the interlacustrine kingdoms and chiefdoms.[28][31]

According to Richard Francis Burton:

"The Uvira trade is important, the place is very busy because of the abundance and the low price of food: it is a large warehouse of slaves, ivory, clothing of bark and iron objects of the northern region of the lake, and in the travel season, it is rare that a day passes without several canoes coming there to fetch goods and food. Rice is not grown there, but sorghum and maize are bought there".[31]

Following the Congo-Arab War, the slave trade began to decline. While the war did not entirely eradicate the slave trade, it significantly contributed to its decline. The conflict disrupted the existing networks and operations of Arab-Swahili slave traders, making it considerably more challenging for them to continue their slave-trading activities as before. Furthermore, with the arrival of the Force Publique, the Belgian colonial forces in the region, there was an increase in scrutiny and intervention against the slave trade. Motivated by their own economic interests and responding to international pressure, the Belgian colonial authorities actively sought to suppress the slave trade and implemented various anti-slavery measures advocated by abolitionists. These measures were further fueled by changing economic dynamics and the declining viability of traditional slave routes.[32][33][34][35]

Uvira fortress entrance, Belgian Congo, 1910s

Throughout the 19th century, several European explorers carried out expeditions to Uvira. In 1857–1858, Richard Francis Burton and John Hanning Speke embarked on a mission that brought them to Lake Tanganyika, while in 1871, Henry Morton Stanley joined David Livingstone at Ujiji, a town situated in the Kigoma-Ujiji District of the Kigoma Region in Tanzania, where they explored the mouth of the Ruzizi River. However, it was in 1898 that Lieutenant Chargeois established a post in Uvira opposite the one the Germans had established in Bujumbura, a year earlier in 1897. He was immediately joined by Catholic missionaries, notably the Reverend Father Victor Roelens.[36][37][38]

During Mobutu Sese Seko's era, Uvira was the capital of the former South Kivu Subregion, a constituent part of the Kivu Region at the time. In 1989, when South Kivu was elevated to the status of a province, the capital was relocated to Bukavu. At present, Uvira is a city and the current capital of the Uvira Territory.[39]

Rice cultivation In the Ruzizi Plain

Uvira, February 2023

The city thrives in the primary sector due to its abundant natural resources and agricultural practices. The fertile lands of the region are conducive for growing and cultivating a variety of crops, such as maize, bush beans, cowpea, cassava, cabbage, potatoes, paddy rice, carrots, soybeans, amaranth, onions, bananas, and spring onions. Along with staple crops, Uvira's agricultural industry includes cash crops like coffee, tea, cocoa, and palm oil. Agriculture is mostly practiced in the Ruzizi Plain, a flat valley formed by the Ruzizi River that flows through various regions of Uvira Territory. Most of the farmers rely on small-scale family-based subsistence agriculture.[49][50][51] Various initiatives have been undertaken to support agricultural cooperatives and offer them training and resources to improve productivity and market access. Notable organizations include Nabahya Food Institute, IITA (International Institute of Tropical Agriculture), and Regroupement des femmes entrepreneurs Umoja, which seek to enhance agricultural practices, boost yields, and establish viable income streams for farming communities. Agricultural products from Uvira are usually transported to Bukavu or exported to neighboring countries such as Burundi, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Zambia.[52][53]

Livestock farming plays a key role in boosting the local economy, ensuring food security, and supporting the livelihoods of the population. This practice encompasses the rearing of cattle, goats, and poultry, with cattle farming emerging as a predominant form of livestock production in the region. Farmers engage in raising cattle primarily for meat, milk, and hides, which serve as valuable commodities. Cows and goats offer a significant source of protein through their meat, while their milk is either consumed locally or processed into various dairy products such as butter, cheese, and yogurt. The utilization of goat skin in the production of leather goods is abundant in the region, with many locals using it for traditional drums, clothes, and carpet binding. Additionally, poultry farming offers promising income opportunities for small-scale farmers. Both live birds and poultry products are sold in nearby markets. These sought-after products find their way to various districts, towns, and villages within Uvira or neighboring areas, including Lemera, Sange, Luvungi, Mulenge, Bwegera, Mukungubwe, Kanogo-Kihamba, Lubarika, Luberizi, and Bibangwa.[54][55][56]

Fishing boats along Lake Tanganyika in Uvira, May 2016

Given the region's proximity to Lake Tanganyika, which is the second-deepest lake in the world and rich in aquatic resources, fish farming emerged as a significant economic activity. It is practiced by Vira and Fuliiru fishermen, as well as by the Bembe people who rear a variety of fish, including tilapia, catfish, kapenta (known to the locals as ndakala or sambaza), protopterus (commonly known as njombo in the city), Astatotilapia burtoni (known as Kijoli), clarias (known as kambale), Tanganyika killifish, sleek lates, Lake Tanganyika sprat, and Nile perch. Fish farming contributes to food security, alleviating malnutrition, and improving the nutritional status of communities, particularly those living in rural areas or in nearby cities and towns such as Sange, Luvungi, and Kiliba. It also provides income-generating opportunities for local farmers and entrepreneurs who sell their fish in local markets, restaurants, and even neighboring regions.[55][57]

A small market of art objects in Uvira

The area is known for its rich cultural heritage and skilled Fuliiru and Vira artisans, who create a wide range of handcrafted products. These artisans specialize in woodworking, pottery, basket weaving, metalwork, and textile production. The crafted products are sold by national companies such as SNCC (Société Nationale des chemins de fer du Congo), SNEL and REGIDESO. These companies offer finely carved sculptures, furniture, and household items made from locally sourced timber, as well as bowls, jugs, tools, utensils, jewelry, fabrics, garments, and accessories.[39]

The city benefits from its close geographical location, which enables it to engage in internal and external trade with Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, Rwanda, the city of Bukavu, Kalemie, and the Fizi Territory. Itinerant trade, commuting, and freight forwarding are primarily conducted by the local population. The main public markets include Kalundu, Maendeleo, Kalimabenge, Soko Congolese "Zairians," Kasenga, Kanvimvira, and Kilomoni.[55]

The primary communication channels that facilitate traffic with the outside world are:

• The lake route ensures the transportation of people and goods on Lake Tanganyika, connecting neighboring and foreign countries such as Burundi, Tanzania, and Zambia. This route is serviced by boats and ships.[55]
• The land route connects Uvira-Bukavu, and another section links Uvira to Bujumbura. There is also a route connecting Uvira to Kalemie via the Fizi Territory.[55]

Uvira consists of 14 districts, with Kakombe having the highest population density. It has a workforce of 24,407 residents, accounting for 12.5% of the city's total population. Mulongwe District has the second-highest population with 20,531 inhabitants, representing 10.5%, and Kibondwe District comes in third with 3,687 residents, which represents 1.9%.[39]

The vast majority of the city's residents are nationals, with a workforce of 194,669 people making up 99.8% of the population. Foreigners constitute just 0.2%, and most of them reside in the Kilibula District, representing 26.7% of the foreign population. Burundians form the largest group of foreign nationals, accounting for 55.2%, with Rwandans coming in second at approximately 37.5%. This is primarily due to their proximity to the city, which enables daily travel through affordable means.[39]

Mulongwe District has no foreign population. Women and men each make up almost half of the workforce, with around 98,390 women and 96,696 men. The city's population in 2009 was estimated to be 171,409, including 484 foreign residents.[39]

Stade de l'Unité d'Uvira, October 2021

Uvira is a prominent sporting hub in the region, boasting two basketball courts and several football fields. It is home to the city's biggest and most popular stadium, Stade de l'Unité d'Uvira, as well as Stade Epanza. These stadiums serve as gathering places for sports enthusiasts, political election campaigns, public speaking, football matches, athletics competitions, and various sporting events. Despite having these facilities, Uvira is home to only three women's football teams.[39]

In addition to its sporting infrastructure, Uvira offers various recreational venues, such as performance halls like Baraza la Parokya and the chapel school, as well as the grand hall of the Mulongwe parish. Moreover, the city is dotted with bars, clubs, dancing clubs, cabarets, and bistros. Uvira's coastal areas, especially Saga I and Saga II beaches, are also a hit among visitors.[39][58]

The city served as a vital crossroads for diverse media outlets, providing the local population with essential news, information, and entertainment in Swahili, Lingala, and French.[39]

Some of the prominent media outlets in the city include:

• Vodacom: Vodacom is a major telecommunications company in the region, providing mobile and internet services. While not a media outlet in the traditional sense, it plays a crucial role in enabling communication and access to digital content for residents in Uvira.
• Zain: Zain offers mobile and internet services in the area. Similar to Vodacom, it plays a vital role in facilitating communication and connectivity for individuals and businesses.
• Orange RDC (formerly Congo Chine Télécoms; CCT): CCT provides mobile services and connectivity to the local population.
• U-Com: U-Com offers various communication services, including mobile and internet, in Uvira and surrounding areas.
• Télécel: Télécel is a mobile network operator that provides cellular services to residents of Uvira. It enables communication and access to mobile data services.

The city is also enriched by the presence of several local media outlets:

• Pylon (antenna) of Tigo: The Pylon is probably a broadcasting infrastructure that facilitates the transmission of Tigo's telecommunications services, including voice and data, in the region.
• RTNC station of Uvira: RTNC (Radiotélévision nationale congolaise) is the national public broadcaster in the DRC. The RTNC station in Uvira likely broadcasts news, cultural programs, and other content of national interest to the local community.
• Radio Mitumba: Radio Mitumba is a local radio and television station in Uvira that provides news, entertainment, and cultural programming.
• Radio Tuungane: Radio Tuungane is also local radio station in Uvira that serves as a platform for news, community discussions, and entertainment.
• Radio Télévision Lukula: Radio Télévision Lukula is a local radio and television station that broadcasts a variety of content, including news, music, and cultural programming.
• Radio Le Messager du Peuple: Radio Le Messager du Peuple is a local radio station in Uvira that focuses on news, community information, and religious programming.