Lemera

Lemera is one of the groupements (groupings) within the Bafuliiru Chiefdom, located in the Uvira Territory of the South Kivu Province in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It is situated in the northwestern part of the Uvira Territory, approximately 60 kilometers north of Bukavu and 90 kilometers southwest of the border with Rwanda and Burundi. Lemera is in close proximity to several villages, including Kasheke, Nyambasha, Luzira, Lukayo, Kajuju, Lushasha, and Ihusi. 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 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 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 is administratively subdivided into villages: Kiringye Kidote Langala Bwesho Mahungu or Mahungubwe Narunanga Namutiri Lungutu Kahanda Kigurwe Ndunda 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.