About Nguvu ya Uvira
About the Founder
My name is Daniel Sneddon.
I worked in Uvira while deployed there with the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission, and have worked in United Nations Peacekeeping Missions, international organizations and NGOs for over a decade in field and headquarter contexts. The work of Nguvu ya Uvira is my own initiative, separate from my previous work.
In Uvira, I quickly noticed that the resourcefulness, strength and intelligence of Uvira's people is inescapable. Indeed, for me, Uvira is the most interesting place in the world and its people are a reflection of that.
Please reach out as I am always happy to discuss our work, Uvira, and how we can collaborate!
Our Origin Story
The idea for Nguvu ya Uvira began in late 2018, when I was deployed there with the United Nations, and was looking to organise a basketball tournament for some local youth.. Emerging from a frustrating discussion where a national-level politician who owned a basketball court demanded an exorbitant fee for court hire, I encountered a child with kwashiorkor (or swollen belly disease), a debilitating and potentially life-threatening malnutrition illness. With this before me, as it would be anyone, the thought was inescapable: “I’d rather give money to help this child grow than to a politician profiting from the public purse.”
I then met with a local doctor, who explained that the child’s full treatment would cost under USD 40, and that food aid was often ineffective due to misappropriation, waste, or theft. In consultation with the local red cross clinic and potential beneficiaries, myself and Francis, who would become the first staff member of Nguvu ya Uvira, created a simple solution: feed children on-site, directly, with no room for diversion.
This ultimately launched what became the Combat Contre le Kwashiorkor program, a grassroots model for malnutrition treatment.
The same community driven philosophy has guided every programme conceived of since – from microcredit for women, business for peace and basketball tournaments. That philosophy is:
"Empowering local solutions to solve local problems"
Our Staff and Volunteers
Meet some of our staff and volunteers below!
Our Mission
To support Congolese-led solutions that strengthen communities, restore dignity, and create lasting change in Uvira and beyond.
"Empowering local solutions to solve local problems"
Our Vision
An Uvira that stands to its full height and prospers.
Rooted in Uvira. Led by Uvira. Rising Together.
Nguvu ya Uvira extends its deepest gratitude to all of our supporters, staff, and partners. Every achievement we’ve made is shared with you. What began as a barebones GoFundMe campaign led by local volunteers has grown into a recognised organisation with national and international reach, regular programming, and tangible impact: lives saved, resilience built, and potential unlocked.
While Uvira continues to face uncertainty amid ongoing conflict and withdrawal of the international aid system there has never been a more critical moment to invest in its people and their future. The resilience, intelligence, and spirit of this community are unwavering.
We look forward to deepening our work with long-standing partners and welcoming new collaborators who share our belief in locally led change.
