Why do people have a uvula?

Uvula: Great question! It has long been thought that the uvula is "vestigial," meaning that it really has no specific purpose. Having removed the uvula hundreds of times for patients who snore and have sleep apnea, I've found that not having one does seem to affect swallowing of nasal secretions, specifically making it somewhat harder. I think a purpose is to help with nasal mucous clearance