Kasama history

The history of a city like Kasama is inextricably linked to the rich heritage of the Bemba people. Unlike many settlements that emerged solely as colonial outposts, this area served as an important centre for the indigenous population for centuries before gaining its modern status as the administrative capital of the Northern Province.

Foundation and First Mentions

The formation of the city as an official administrative centre began at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. However, the actual history of settlement in these lands goes back to ancient times. The surroundings of the city are renowned for the famous Mwela Rocks paintings, which indicate that people lived here as early as the Stone Age. For modern history, it is significant that the region developed as the heart of the domains of the influential Bemba Kingdom.

Key Factors of Development

Several circumstances contributed to the transformation of a small settlement into an important regional hub:

• Geography and Climate: The city is located on a high plateau, ensuring a milder climate and abundant rainfall compared to the lowlands. This created favourable conditions for living and agriculture.
• Political Centre: Proximity to the residence of the Paramount Chief of the Bemba people (Chitimukulu) made this area a natural centre of authority and cultural influence.
• Strategic Location: Zambia possesses a vast territory, and Kasama became a key connecting link controlling routes in the north of the country.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economic life of early Kasama was built on a traditional way of life. The basis of existence was agriculture, particularly the unique "chitemene" system, characteristic of wooded savannahs. Local residents grew millet, cassava, and other crops, and also engaged in crafts. The cultural identity of the region was formed around the traditions, ceremonies, and oral creativity of the Bemba people, which continue to give the city a unique flair today.

Major Historical Milestones

Below is a chronology of events that defined the development of the city from ancient settlements to a modern administrative centre.

• Stone Age — Creation of rock paintings in the Mwela Rocks area, testifying to the early presence of humans in this territory.
• 17th–18th Centuries — Migration and consolidation of the Bemba people in the region, formation of the foundations of the traditional order around the Paramount Chief's residence.
• Late 19th Century — Establishment by the British colonial administration of a permanent post (Boma) in the area of the current city to control the northern territories.
• 14 November 1918 — During the First World War, Kasama was occupied by German forces under the command of General Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck.
• November 1918 — The German command received news of the armistice in Europe, which led to the end of combat operations in East Africa near the city.
• 1924 — Transfer of territorial administration to the British government, strengthening the administrative role of the settlement within Northern Rhodesia.
• 24 October 1964 — Zambia gains independence, and the city is officially confirmed in the status of the capital of the Northern Province.
• 1975 — Opening of traffic on the TAZARA railway, which linked the city with Dar es Salaam and the central part of the country.
• 2016 — Completion of large-scale modernization works on the local airport runway, which improved transport accessibility to the region.

Stages of Formation and Transformation

The development of the city of Kasama is a journey from a traditional settlement to the modern administrative and commercial core of the region. The city's evolution was determined not only by political decisions but also by major infrastructure projects that changed the lifestyle of the local population.

• Confirmation of Provincial Capital Status. Becoming the administrative centre of the Northern Province gave the city a powerful impulse towards urbanization. This attracted government investment, facilitated the construction of government buildings, schools, and hospitals, forming the framework of modern urban development.
• Construction of the TAZARA Railway. The launch of the mainline in the 1970s, connecting the region with the port of Dar es Salaam and the central part of Zambia, became a turning point for the economy. The city turned into a key logistics hub, which significantly revitalized trade and facilitated cargo delivery.
• Formation of the Coffee Cluster. Thanks to the favourable climate, the city's surroundings became a centre for coffee cultivation. The development of plantations and processing facilities (such as the Northern Coffee Corporation) created thousands of jobs and integrated the city into international supply chains.
• Energy Independence. Utilising the hydroelectric potential of the nearby Chishimba Falls allowed the city to be provided with stable electricity earlier than many other districts. This became the foundation for the operation of industrial enterprises and the comfort of residents.
• Modernization of Transport Accessibility. The reconstruction of the airport and the asphalting of key roads connecting the region with the capital opened the city to business and tourism. Improved logistics stimulated an influx of investors and the development of the service sector.
• Preservation of Cultural Code. Despite urbanization, the city has retained its significance as the cultural heart of the Bemba people. The proximity to the Paramount Chief's residence allows for a harmonious combination of modern urban governance with centuries-old traditions and ceremonies.
• Growth of the Commercial Sector. In recent years, the city has experienced a retail boom. The appearance of modern shopping centres and branches of major banks has changed the economic landscape, turning the administrative centre into the main trading platform of the country's north.

Architectural Styles and Urban Landscape

The architectural appearance of Kasama is distinguished by restraint and functionality, reflecting its role as an administrative and trading centre. The urban structure of the city was formed over a century, blending elements of British colonial planning with local traditions and modern trends.

Colonial Style and Administrative Centre

The historical core of the city has preserved features of colonial architecture from the first half of the 20th century. The most striking example is the area known as the "Boma" — the traditional administrative quarter.

• Characteristic Features: Single-storey buildings made of red burnt brick with wide verandas designed to protect against the scorching sun and tropical downpours. Roofs are typically pitched and covered with corrugated iron.
• Atmosphere: These structures, surrounded by old trees (jacarandas and mangoes), create a sense of frozen time and are still used by many government institutions.

Sacred Architecture

An important part of the city skyline comprises religious structures. The architectural dominant feature is the Cathedral of St. John the Apostle. This monumental building is executed in a style of restrained modernism. The use of brickwork and high vaults gives it solemnity, and the building itself serves as a main landmark for residents and tourists.

Independence Era and Functionalism

After Zambia entered the era of independence, objects leaning towards industrial functionalism appeared in the city. The most notable example is the TAZARA railway station.

Built in the 1970s, this complex is distinguished by its massiveness, use of concrete, straight lines, and lack of decorative excesses. The architecture of the station symbolizes the pragmatism and engineering power of that period, when transport accessibility was a development priority.

Modern Development

In recent decades, the appearance of the city has been changing due to commercial development:

• Retail Spaces: Modern bank buildings and shopping centres are built according to standard designs using glass, metal, and composite panels, bringing elements of globalization to the city.
• Residential Sector: Residential areas represent an eclectic mix: from old colonial bungalows with large gardens to dense developments of new cottages, reflecting the growing prosperity of the population.

Distinguished Personalities of Kasama

The history of Kasama and the Northern Province is rich with the names of rulers, missionaries, and politicians who shaped the unique character of this region.

• Paramount Chief Chitimukulu — The supreme ruler of the Bemba people. Although his official residence is located a few kilometres from the city, the figure of Chitimukulu is central to the cultural and social life of the entire region. The institution of the Paramount Chief preserves traditions and influences the development of the territory over centuries.
• Bishop Joseph "Moto Moto" Dupont — A French Catholic missionary who arrived in the region at the end of the 19th century. He played a key role in the peaceful establishment of the colonial administration and enjoyed such respect from the local residents that the dying Chief Mwamba temporarily transferred his powers to him. His nickname "Moto Moto" (Fire-Fire) became legendary.
• Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck — A German general commanding forces in East Africa during the First World War. He entered the city's history as the military commander who captured Kasama on 13 November 1918 — after the official signing of the armistice in Europe, of which he was not yet aware.
• Alexander Chikwanda — A prominent statesman and veteran politician born in Kasama. He served as the country's Minister of Finance and was an active participant in the struggle for the independence of Zambia, making a significant contribution to shaping the republic's economic policy.
• Senior Chief Mwamba — The traditional title of the ruler of the Ituna area, where the city is located. Historically, this title holds immense significance: the palace of Chief Mwamba is an important cultural site, and the relationship between the chief and the city administration determines the social stability of the district.
• Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba (GBM) — A well-known Zambian businessman and politician, widely known by the acronym GBM. He long represented the central constituency of Kasama in parliament and served as Minister of Defence, actively participating in the development of local infrastructure and the commercial sector.
• Theresa Kolala — A political and social figure elected mayor of the city in 2021. She became known for initiatives to transform Kasama into an "inclusive green city" and active work to promote gender equality in local self-government.