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69-691: Kidote , also known as Kidoti , is a small village situated in the middle plateaux of Lemera , within the Bafuliiru Chiefdom of the Uvira Territory in the South Kivu Province in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It also serves as a camp for Congolese Internally Displaced People (IDPs) from various regions of Bwegera . Kidote was traditionally inhabited by

138-493: A suffragan of the Archdiocese of Bukavu . Uvira is distinguished by a robust trade network , fishing industry , and cultural heritage . Uvira has been significantly impacted by long-term conflict and frequent population displacements, which have affected the city and surrounding regions for nearly four decades. Uvira is located at the northernmost tip of Lake Tanganyika . To the north are Kavimvira's hot springs and

207-489: A 2013 Prime Ministerial decree granted city status to Uvira. Leading up to the 2018 general elections , the government reaffirmed this designation. On 27 December 2018, President Joseph Kabila formalized Uvira's city status through a presidential decree, which was further strengthened by Decree No. 13/029 on 13 June 2019. This decree conferred city and municipal status to various agglomerations in South Kivu, making Uvira

276-458: A city: The preponderance of Uvira's residents are nationals, with a workforce tallying 194,669 people, equating to 99.8% of the populace. Foreign nationals constitute just 0.2%, with most of them residing in Kilibula, which accommodates 26.7% of the expatriate demographic. Burundians form the largest foreign contingent, comprising 55.2%, followed by Rwandans at approximately 37.5%. In Mulongwe,

345-535: A community of fishermen along Lake Tanganyika 's shores. The region was subsequently occupied by the Banyalenge (or Benelenge ), immigrants who derived their name from their chief, Lenge, who likely migrated from Maniema around the 17th century. Over time, the Banyalenge became known as the Bavira and emerged as the ruling clan of the ethnic group. The name " Bavira " is derived from " Kivira ", meaning " oil palm " in

414-404: A critical indicator of water safety , was detected in merely 8% of household water samples, predominantly from piped supplies. Sanitation infrastructure was similarly inadequate, with no centralized wastewater management system in place. Households rely predominantly on shared latrines (41%), private outdoor latrines (27%), or engage in open defecation (20%). In response to these challenges,

483-472: A distinctly Congolese Christian sect, constitutes a significant facet of the city's religious identity. Non-Christian faiths, although constituting a minority, contribute to the city's spiritual diversity. This includes a small Muslim community as well as other religious entities such as the Church of "Dieu Poisson", colloquially referred to as Mayebo. Uvira health system is characterized by limited resources and

552-497: A diverse array of soil types , from clay -rich soils in hilly areas to sandy alluvium in the valley floor. The city experiences a tropical climate with a clear division between wet and dry seasons . The wet season in Uvira typically occurs from January to mid-May and from mid-September to December, and a dry season spanning from June to September. Temperature variations align with the seasons and elevation, with lower temperatures in

621-505: 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

690-493: A high prevalence of communicable diseases. The medical infrastructure includes a state-owned general reference hospital , which serves as the principal healthcare facility in the city, alongside four private and denominational polyclinics , 17 community health centers operated by Catholic , Protestant , Kimbanguist , and private churches, 26 dispensaries , and approximately one hundred private pharmacies . Uvira also hosts four therapeutic nutritional centers that are funded by

759-471: A key agricultural organization, along with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture 's research station. Due to Uvira's close location to Lake Tanganyika —the world's second-deepest lake and a source of rich aquatic life— fishing has developed as a primary economic activity, supporting around 1% of residents directly or indirectly. This sector involves local communities, including

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828-624: A migration to the contemporary Uvira Territory . Lemera derived its nomenclature from Mulemera , the progenitor of Kahamba and the founding figure of the Bafuliiru Dynasty in Lemera. During the Belgian Congo period, the region exhibited a sparse population, prompting the colonists to institute the " Chefferie des Bafulero " with the objective of organizing each distinct ethnic faction into well-defined geographical entities. Lemera groupement

897-573: A significant expatriate community from countries including Burundi, Rwanda, Zambia, Tanzania, Belgium, France, Sweden, China, and India. Among the native groups, the Vira, who speak Kivira, predominantly occupy the Bavira Chiefdom from Makobola to Kawizi. The Fuliiru predominantly inhabit the mountainous terrains along the Uvira-Bukavu road corridor and represent the majority in the northern regions, whereas

966-554: A small fishing industry , with fishermen catching tilapia and other fish from the waters of Lake Tanganyika . Prior to the establishment of the Bafuliiru Chiefdom as a political entity in 1928, Lemera functioned as the capital of the Bahamba Dynasty of Bafuliiru . This dynasty originated from Lwindi (presently recognized as Luindi Chiefdom in the Mwenga Territory ) during the 17th century and subsequently undertook

1035-682: A smaller number of Hutus who were harbored in Ruzizi Plain by Bafuliiru. They were later dispersed to various localities in Uvira. 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. During the Rwandan Revolution and the Rwandan genocide , a significant number of refugees settled in various regions of Uvira. Between

1104-401: Is accessible by road from Bukavu and Bujumbura and is 60 km from Fizi Territory . Lake Tanganyika supports thriving fishing and transportation industries. 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

1173-416: Is administratively subdivided into villages: Lemera has a long history of conflict and political instability, which has led to ongoing security concerns for its residents and visitors alike. The region has experienced various periods of violence and unrest , with armed groups and militia factions operating in the area and contributing to a general sense of insecurity. In the late 1990s and early 2000s,

1242-563: Is also prevalent, with nearly every family in the city engaged in rearing chickens , turkeys , rabbits , guinea pigs , and other fowl . 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 city benefits from its close geographical location, which enables it to engage in internal and external trade with Burundi , Tanzania , Zambia , Rwanda ,

1311-671: Is also well-established, represented by diverse sects such as Pentecostals , Free Methodist Church , the Communauté Baptiste au Centre de l'Afrique (CBCA), the Communauté des Églises Libres de Pentecôte en Afrique (CELPA), Missões Evangelísticas Vinde Amados Meus (MEVAM), Church of the Dominators, and Seventh-day Adventist Church . Additionally, there is a notable presence of revivalist congregations and restorationist movements, including Jehovah's Witnesses . The Kimbanguist Church ,

1380-463: Is home to only three women's football teams. 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

1449-501: Is not grown there, but sorghum and maize are bought there". 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

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1518-498: Is quite recent. 3°02′07″S 28°59′08″E  /  3.03528°S 28.98556°E  / -3.03528; 28.98556 Uvira Uvira is a city strategically located in the South Kivu Province of the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo . Covering approximately 16 square kilometers and with an estimated population of 726,000 as of 2024, it borders Bafuliru Chiefdom and Ruzizi Plain Chiefdom to

1587-556: The Albertine Rift , a sub-region of the Great Rift Valley . This tectonically active region is characterized by a staircase-like formation of horsts and graben , along with faulting and volcanic activity . Uvira's geological substratum is composed of ancient Precambrian rock formations , such as gneisses , quartzites , and granites , as well as more recent Quaternary alluvial deposits. These formations have produced

1656-540: The CNPSC rebel group launched an attack on the city, which was repelled by the national army and MONUSCO forces. On 17 April 2020, torrential downpours in Uvira resulted in deadly floods, with 24 people losing their lives as the Mulongwe River overflowed. Radio Okapi reported that water descending from the mountains inundated key streets and National Road No. 5. Official records show 3,500 homes damaged, and UM News,

1725-523: The European Union and other international non-governmental organizations , under the supervision of Caritas Internationalis , the Bureau Central de Zone de Santé (BCZS), and Action Against Hunger (ACF). Public health challenges include endemic diseases such as malaria , typhoid , mpox , cholera , and various diarrheal and infectious diseases. Uvira has emerged as a critical epicenter of

1794-832: The First and Second Congo Wars , the region served as a major battleground for various armed groups, national armies, and militias, including the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo (AFDL), Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA), Forces Armées Burundaises (FAB), Rally for Congolese Democracy (RCD), Rally for Congolese Democracy-Goma (RCD-Goma), and various Mai-Mai militias. Uvira and nearby areas experienced violence and loss of civilian lives during these wars. On 18 October 1996, AFDL/RPA units reportedly killed at least 88 civilians in Kiliba , located just thirteen kilometers north of Uvira. On

1863-543: The First Congo War , leaving the majority of Uvira's residents reliant on unsafe water sources. Before recent upgrades, only 30% of residents had intermittent access to piped water, with most households resorting to rivers (62%), public taps (53%), or Lake Tanganyika (34%) for water according to household surveys conducted in 2016–2017. Water treatment practices remained minimal, with only 6% of households reporting any form of water purification . Free residual chlorine ,

1932-536: The French Development Agency (AFD), the Veolia Foundation (VF), and REGIDESO launched a comprehensive water infrastructure improvement project in 2014. It encompassed significant upgrades to the city's water supply system, including the refurbishment of the primary water intake on the Mulongwe River, modernization of water treatment and pumping stations, construction of a 1,600-m³ storage tank in

2001-824: The Fuliiru people , as well as a small Vira population that share strong cultural connections with the Bafuliiru community. During the onset of the First Congo War , Kidote served as a training camp for the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo ( Alliance des Forces Démocratiques pour la Libération du Congo; AFDL). On 6 October 1996, Kidote was attacked by the AFDL, which resulted in more than 50 fatalities. The victims were mainly civilians . Some met their demise due to shrapnel injuries, while others were brutally executed after being coerced into digging mass graves , wherein their bodies were callously discarded. For decades,

2070-534: The Kivu region. Uvira's pivotal location at the northern entry to Kivu allowed for monitoring German East Africa positions in neighboring Ruanda-Urundi and Tanganyika. In 1908, King Leopold II ceded the Congo Free State to Belgium , transitioning the territory into what would become the Belgian Congo . A central administrative shift occurred on 11 September 1911, when a ministerial decree formally annexed Kivu to

2139-613: The March 23 Movement , sparked tensions in Lemera. Consequently, a large number of civilians took refuge in Kidote, fleeing other conflict-affected areas. The Espace Amis d'Enfance (EAE), a local non-governmental organization , received nearly one hundred displaced children in search of help and shelter. Lemera Lemera has a population of approximately 114,464 people and is primarily an agricultural town , with many residents growing crops such as cassava , beans , and maize . The town also has

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2208-664: The March 23 Movement , which occupies several localities in the east of the country, created tensions in Lemera. Defeated in 2013 , the March 23 Movement, whose fighters had taken refuge in Uganda and Rwanda , resumed military activities in 2022, causing civilians to flee to Lemera from other afflicted regions. According to the coordinator of ACMEJ/ Katogota , Eric Muvomo , nearly one hundred new cases of displaced children have been received by another NGO “Espace d'amis d'enfance” (EAE) in Kidote , in

2277-579: The Stanleyville District (later part of the Orientale Province of the Belgian Congo) and designating Uvira as the district headquarters. This administrative body included three sectors— Tanganyika , Edward, and Rutshuru—with Uvira, Beni , and Rutshuru serving as the sector capitals. In 1914, however, Kivu's capital was transferred from Uvira to Rutshuru. Uvira's administrative structure

2346-491: The United Methodist Church 's official news outlet, noted that nearly 70,000 people were displaced. The floods also damaged two major bridges in the neighboring areas, including Runingu and Sange. The Uvira's economy is bolstered by its primary sector, driven by extensive family-based subsistence agriculture . The area yields a variety of crops, such as Irish potatoes , maize , beans , cowpeas , cabbage , and

2415-500: The Vira , Fuliru , and Bembe , who cultivate various fish types such as tilapia , catfish , kapenta (referred to locally as ndakala or sambaza), protopterus (locally called njombo), Astatotilapia burtoni (or Kijoli), clarias (known as kambale), Tanganyika killifish , sleek lates (regionally called mukeke), Lake Tanganyika sprat , and Nile perch . Fishing contributes to food security , alleviating malnutrition , and improving

2484-505: 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 significant income-generating opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs, who sell their fish products in notable markets such as Marché Maendeleo, Marché Kalimabenge, and Marché Mulongwe. Family-based livestock breeding is widespread in Uvira. Common livestock includes cattle , goats , sheep , and pigs . Poultry farming

2553-642: 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 operated mainly in the eastern Congo Free State , notably in areas like Uvira, Katanga , Nyangwe , Kasaï , Kabinda , Kirundu , and Baraka . Father Van der Burgt noted in his Dictionary that in 1897–8, there were

2622-589: 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 , where they explored the mouth of the Ruzizi River . However, it

2691-569: 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, which governed the various parts of the region. Inter-marriage between the Bavira and Bafuliiru clans occurred, which further intertwined their cultures and forged social connections . Throughout

2760-676: The Bembe predominantly reside in the southern sectors of Uvira, encompassing the Kakungwe, Kimanga, and Kalundu. Before receiving city status, Uvira consisted of 14 neighborhoods ( quartiers ), with Kakombe having the highest population density. It had a workforce of 24,407 residents, accounting for 12.5% of the city's total population. Mulongwe and Kibondwe neighborhoods had the second and third-highest populations, with 20,531 and 3,687 inhabitants, respectively. The 2014 civil status statistics for Uvira's neighborhoods ( quartiers ) prior to its designation as

2829-670: The Congo Wars ravaged the region, and the Lemera Hospital , located approximately 85 kilometers north of Uvira , stood as the largest hospital in the region. Operated by the International Committee of the Red Cross , the medical facility served as a military hospital during the First Congo War , providing treatment to injured soldiers and civilians from all over the region. The hospital was renowned for its skilled medical staff and

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2898-981: 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 . Uvira is home to marshlands and hydric meadows , dominated by macrophytes such as reeds that flourish in hydrosaturated environments. Grass -dominated savannas , serving as vital pastoral and agronomic reserves, are dominated by Imperata cylindrica , Hyparrhenia spp. , Eragrostis spp. , Urochloa eminii ( Brachiaria ruziziensis or Congo grass), and Pennisetum spp . Scattered with Acacia kirkii in some wooded zones , these savannas are valuable for their forage and timber . Drought -adapted xerophilous groves host species resilient to

2967-841: The Nyangara marshlands ; to the south lies the Ruzizi River , forming a natural border with the Kalungwe groupement of the Bavira Chiefdom. Lake Tanganyika and Burundi border it to the east, while the Mitumba mountains rise to the west. Kalundu, a lake port located at the southern end of the city, serves as a connection point for boats heading to Kalemie in Tanganyika Province , Kigoma in Tanzania, Pulungu in Zambia , and Bujumbura . Located approximately 120 km from Bukavu (South Kivu's capital), Uvira

3036-520: The Second Congo War, ANC/RPA/FAB operatives killed dozens of civilians in Uvira on 6 August 1998. Hundreds of victims were killed during confrontations with the RCD-Goma when they attempted to seek shelter or escape from the combat zone. Others were executed after the fighting ended during search operations. Women were also subjected to rape by the soldiers during these operations. The official end of

3105-473: The arid microclimates of the region, while fragmented relics of forested areas persist as ecological vestiges in transitional zones. Extensive deforestation , exacerbated by conflict-induced socio-economic strain, has significantly depleted these once-prominent forests. Uvira lies geologically within the Ruzizi Plain , an integral part of the East African Rift 's western branch, specifically within

3174-710: 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 . Uvira has been afflicted by armed groups, militia groups, inter-communal tensions, and clashes for over three decades, resulting in violence, population displacement , and human rights abuses . During

3243-555: The camp of Mai-Mai Biloze Bishambuke fighters in Masango, in the Bijombo grouping ( groupement ), Bavira Chiefdom . Meanwhile, northeast of Lemera, clashes between Ngumino militiamen and the Mai-Mai coalition and Burundian FNL left seven people dead. These fights took place in the village Kifuni, northeast of the capital of the chiefdom of Bafuliiru.   In early 2022, the re-emergence of

3312-644: 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. The primary communication channels that facilitate traffic with the outside world are: Uvira is home to a diverse population consisting of native ethnic groups of Bantu origin, including Vira , Fuliiru , Bembe , Zoba , Lega , Shi , Nyindu , Luba and Bangubangu . The city also hosts

3381-577: The conclusion of the extended initiative, 2,368 private connections and 93 community taps had been rendered operational. 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

3450-464: The high plateau (15° to 25°C) and moderate temperatures (20° to 30°C) in the Ruzizi Plain during the dry season. Uvira's administrative framework is rooted in its historical development since 1911, molded by its strategic role. On 17 October 1900, the Congo Free State —under the rule of King Leopold II of Belgium —established a war council in Uvira to facilitate the conquest and administration of

3519-640: The hospital, leaving in their wake a trail of destruction and devastation. On April 29, 2021, the Ngumino , an armed group composed of members of the Banyamulenge community, stole 75 cows from Kanono village in the highlands of the Bafuliiru chieftaincy, located 44 km northwest of Lemera, in the Uvira Territory . In May 2021, the Twigwaneho (a Banyamulenge rebel group) and their allies led by an army deserter Colonel Michel Rukunda alias Makanika attacked

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3588-432: The interlacustrine kingdoms and chiefdoms. 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

3657-409: The local language, a reference to the palm-rich landscape that led neighboring communities to associate the people with the "land of oil palms". 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

3726-420: The middle plateaux of Lemera. Agriculture and animal husbandry are the two main activities of Lemera. The agriculture sector is an important component of the regional economy. The main food crops grown include cassava (nearly 25% of national production), yams, maize, groundnuts, oil palm, okra (dongo -dongo), zucchini, eggplant, pepper, tomato, cucumber, roselle (Guinea sorrel) and soybeans whose introduction

3795-469: The newly introduced carrots , amaranths , onions , and spring onions . Staple crops include maize, Irish potatoes, and bush beans , while cowpeas are cultivated less frequently. Potatoes and maize were said to have been introduced in 1985 by a local NGO, Groupe Milima. Recently, onions were introduced to Kitembe by a pioneering farmer, and amaranths along with spring onions were brought into Kahololo by another farmer. Uvira hosts Nabahya Food Institute ,

3864-540: The north, Bavira Chiefdom to the south, and Lake Tanganyika and the Ruzizi River to the east. These rivers form natural boundaries between the DRC and Burundi . Located in the Ruzizi Plain at a low altitude, the city lies between Burundi's Congo-Nile ridge and the Mitumba mountains . It is the economic and transportation hub of the Uvira Territory and is also home to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Uvira ,

3933-620: The ongoing 2023–2024 mpox epidemic within South Kivu Province. The General Hospital of Uvira has been actively engaged in the treatment of mpox patients, providing free treatment to those affected. To mitigate the outbreak, the health zone has established a specialized mpox treatment facility adhering to protocols instituted by the Ministry of Public Health . Despite these interventions, significant obstacles persist, including limited access to emergency healthcare services and difficulties in

4002-428: The province's second city after Bukavu . Kiza Muhato, a noted civil society figure, was appointed as mayor, with Kiki Kifara Kapenda serving as the deputy mayor. The city consists of three communes : Uvira has a long and intricate history influenced by the convergence of different ethnic groups over time. According to early accounts by Alfred Moeller de Laddersous , the region's initial inhabitants were Bazoba ,

4071-619: The provision of top-notch medical care. During the Lemera massacre , which marked the beginning of the First Congo War on October 6, 1996, the Banyamulenge armed groups, supported by Rwanda and Uganda , attacked the town, resulting in the loss of several dozen victims. 37 people were killed in the Lemera Hospital, including two members of the medical staff. The armed elements also vandalized

4140-416: The region remained plagued by persistent insecurity. Armed conflict , clashes between various armed groups, and inter-communal violence have all contributed to uprooting communities from their homes. Armed groups operating in the region, such as rebel factions or militias , carry out attacks, looting and intimidation aimed at both civilians and rival factions. In the early months of 2022, the resurgence of

4209-407: The rehabilitation of 10 kilometers of existing pipes. The project initially targeted the installation of 115 new community taps and the establishment or rehabilitation of 2,997 private water connections. Between September 2019 and December 2021, significant progress was achieved, with 56 community taps installed, 1,191 new private connections established, and 717 existing connections rehabilitated. By

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4278-408: The same day, AFDL/RPA units were responsible for the deaths of at least 51 civilians in Bwegera , with the Red Cross organizing mass burials for the victims. The capture of Uvira on 25 October 1996 saw renewed atrocities committed by AFDL/RPA/FAB units, including indiscriminate killings that resulted in the deaths of several hundred people, including Hutu refugees and Zairean civilians. During

4347-422: The southern sector, and development of a piped distribution network with household connections. Key improvements included the expansion of the water treatment plant's capacity through advanced coagulation , flocculation , sand filtration, and chlorination processes. Additionally, a new 2,000-m³ storage tank was constructed in the city's northern area, and 24 kilometers of new water pipes were installed alongside

4416-569: The timely identification of cases due to insufficient resources. Cholera and diarrheal diseases are entrenched within Uvira's public health profile, rendering the city a recognized cholera "hotspot". Data from the General Hospital of Uvira reveals an average of 1,200 hospital admissions annually for acute diarrheal illnesses between 2009 and 2021, with approximately 40% of these cases attributed to cholera based on rapid diagnostic tests introduced in 2016. The city's water infrastructure , originally built in 1958, suffered extensive damage during

4485-448: The war came in July 2003 with the signing of the Global and All-Inclusive Agreement on Transition in Kinshasa . However, despite the formal end of the war, the region continues to face sporadic outbreaks of violence, often involving armed groups, militias, and inter-communal tensions. These ongoing conflicts have resulted in further violence, population displacement, and human rights abuses in Uvira and its surrounding areas. In 2017,

4554-483: The workforce shows near gender parity, with approximately 98,390 women and 96,696 men. As of 2009, the city's population was estimated at 171,409, including 484 foreign residents. Uvira is predominantly Christian , encompassing a heterogeneous spectrum of denominations. The Roman Catholic Church holds a prominent position in the city, housing the episcopal seat of the Diocese of Uvira alongside its cathedral and three parochial jurisdictions. Protestant Christianity

4623-624: Was further refined in 1928 with the establishment of Uvira Territory , organized into three chiefdoms: Bafuliru , Bavira, and Barundi. Ordinance-Law No. 21/91, issued on 25 February 1938, defined Uvira Territory's boundaries and administrative structure, which included three chiefdoms ( Bafuliiru , Bavira, and the Ruzizi Plain), three urban centers (Uvira, Kiliba , and Sange ), and three administrative posts (Makobola, Luvungi , and Mulenge ). This administrative configuration remained unaltered by Order No. 67-221, issued on 3 May 1967. In recognition of its growing population and economic significance,

4692-432: 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 . The region experienced an influx of Barundi and Banyarwanda immigrants In the latter half of the 19th century. The Barundi immigrants were predominantly Tutsis, accompanied by

4761-444: Was valued at 0.30F at that time). 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

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