Nyungu ya Mawe’s empire (Ukimbu) was situated between the east and south of Tabora.
Its capital was at Kiwele. From Kiwele, Nyungu ya Mawe expanded his control to the trade route at the coast and the trade routes from Tabora to Lake Tanganyika and Ufipa. He appointed his own officials to assist him with administrative duties. They were known as the Vatwale.
According to oral tradition, Nyungu ya Mawe was born in Unyanyembe.
