Batwa

The Batwa, also referred to as Twa in some areas, are indigenous forest-dwelling peoples of the Great Lakes region in Central Africa. They historically practiced hunter-gatherer livelihoods in the forests of what are now Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Uganda they are commonly associated with the southwestern forests around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park; in Rwanda and Burundi they are linked with the forested uplift around Nyungwe and other western areas; in the DRC they are found in eastern forested zones. Population estimates vary and are not consistently documented.

Historically the Batwa maintained deep knowledge of forest ecosystems, relying on wild foods, medicinal plants, and forest materials for shelter and tools. Their interactions with neighboring Bantu-speaking agricultural communities included trade and cultural exchange, as well as marginalization and loss of traditional lands. In recent decades, the creation of protected areas and development projects led to displacement from ancestral forest homes, contributing to poverty and a shift toward alternative livelihoods.

Culture and language among Batwa groups typically feature distinctive music, dance, and storytelling traditions that are passed down through generations. Many Batwa speak local languages such as Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Luganda, or Swahili in addition to Batwa-related languages, with some communities maintaining cultural practices in the context of tourism. Contemporary Batwa initiatives often seek to preserve heritage while improving education, health, and economic opportunities, including participation in cultural tourism and crafts.

See also: Pygmy, Twa, Indigenous peoples of Africa, Gorilla tourism.