Who We Are

BUGUMA-UK is a community-led organisation born from the union of two proud Congolese peoples: the Fuliiru and the Viira, whose ancestral lands stretch across the territory of Uvira in South Kivu, DRC.

Though listed as the 64th and 264th largest tribes in the nation (out of over 450), our shared culture runs deep, woven through generations with the threads of language, kinship, and resilience.

Our Roots

The Mufuliiru people live in the northern part of Uvira, within the Bufuliru chiefdom, with Lemera as its seat of authority. Five localities, Itara (Luvungi), Kigoma, Muhungu, Runingu, and Lemera, form the heart of this territory, where the rich dialect of Kifuliiru echoes through the valleys.

To the south, the Muviira reside in the Baviira chiefdom, anchored in Kabindula (Mutelemuko). Their domain spans seven localities: Bijombo, Kabindula, Kalungwe, Kahala, Kijaga, Kitundu, and Makobola. Their voice is spoken in Kajooba, their traditions upheld by the title Kolo Mulopwe, akin to the Mufuliiru’s Mwami.

Despite geographic separation, our communities share a cultural heartbeat. We fish the same rivers, till the same soils, raise our children with the same values. We are farmers, herders, storytellers, and dreamers, cut from the same cloth of heritage.

Our Mission in the UK

Here in the UK, BUGUMA brings Fuliiru and Viira descendants together to preserve our traditions, support each other, and pass on a legacy to our youth.

We believe that even in a foreign land, home lives within us.  BUGUMA is a bridge, not just between two tribes, but between generations, between the past and the future.

Through cultural events, educational initiatives, charitable projects, and open arms, we honour where we come from while embracing where we are.

As we look back on the land of our ancestors from across the ocean, we remember who we are and who we are meant to be.