Uvira Basketball Tournament
As part of its commitment to social cohesion realising the enormous potential of Uvira’s youth, Nguvu ya Uvira has organized basketball tournaments that involve youth from across Uvira’s diverse ethnic groups. The tournaments emphasise fair play and inclusion, offering a space that transcends the daily challenges, divisions, and mistrust that often define life in Uvira.
In addition, several standout participants have earned university scholarships in Goma as well as abroad in Burundi, and South Africa.
Nguvu ya Uvira has also sponsored teams to participate in intercity competitions, including tournaments in Bukavu and Kalemie.
Key Features
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Minimum of two tournaments hosted per year for boys and girls.
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Foundation provides uniforms, equipment, administration, referees.
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Sponsored participation in multiple intercity tournaments in Bukavu and Kalemie.
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Sponsored a team from the SOS Village orphanage.
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In 2025 gained recognition as a Urban Sports League by the Congolese Basketball Federation.
Future Plans
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Maintain regular tournaments, expand the player base and participants.
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With our new status, formalize youth leagues, providing training to local referees and coaches.
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Sponsor participation to national competition through the new Urban Sports League status.
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Invest more in girls’ basketball, grow player base.
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Invest in equipment and court refurbishment, including potential for a permanent home court.
Testimonials
“Young people are facing a huge challenge with unemployment. It is a very real challenge. The devil makes work for idle hands. This can lead young people to commit objectionable actions.
The Nguvu ya Uvira foundation has been a partner to rely on, where they can develop their skills and contribute to their social integration. It heals the kids, and they don’t realise they are healing. But for us who monitor them who care for them, we can see how their behaviours have changed.”
- Anselme Bitawa, Coordinator of SOS Village Orphanage
Thanks to your commitment to basketball, the young players of Uvira were able to live enriching new experiences... this tournament in Kalemie not only strengthened our passion for sport, but also had significant benefits for our personal development and some opportunities for a sporting career... we learn essential values such as teamwork, discipline, and resilience... the time we spend playing basketball protects us from risky behaviors like delinquency, alcohol, and drugs... and gives us opportunities to strengthen social cohesion.
Uvira Team United Basketball Team
“When we first started there was [only] a basketball court and players, but it wasn’t organised. We noticed many of the kids seemed a bit unstable, smoking weed or behaving badly, violent. There needs to be something that brings them together and keep the kids engaged. The busier the kids are the less time they have to think about drugs or violence."
Francis Ngoy, Tournament Coordinator
