Kinship relations in contemporary Bukoba urban: a case of Bilele and Kashabo (Hamugembe) wards

Urbanisation is said to affect kinship ties, the importance of the neighbourhood and social solidarity. The objective of the study was to investigate the kinship relations, social networks and associations or ties which exist in contemporary Bukoba town in the face of event such as war, the break of the AIDS epidemic, migration and other economic hardships. The study relied on three research techniques: In depth interviews involved 54 heads of households focused on occupation income, contacts with relative, reciprocal relations with neighbours and friends. Their involvement on issues related to sickness, bereavement, marriage, visits and membership in activities that involved formal as well as informal type of associations. The researcher stayed in the study site for five months observing in coffee places, clubs, political campaigns and participated in weddings, funerals, and religious events in the wards. A number of documents from the Bukoba Town council and the Regional Commissioner's office in Kagera were consulted. The documents included:- maps showing boundaries, House plans, interim provisions, the urban areas declaration of boundaries amendment order, development plan, files and a report on planning data for the region. The study found out: that kinship relations, mutual assistance and social support systems among kin were being maintained among the low and the middle income people. Life in general was unbearable though families continued to maintain the bonds which existe at the village level. Higher income people also continued to observe kinship relationships though their interactions with their kin were less frequent. However it was observed that education has a greater role in the changes that have continued to transform kinship bonds. Apart from kinship, urban dwellers have established associations and social support networks which enable them to cope with urban life. These include religious associations, sports clubs, youth associations, burial associations and women mutual assistance groups.