Fort Patiko | Slave Trade History in Northern Uganda
Fort Patiko is located in Ajulu parish, Patiko sub-county Aswa county Gulu district. The site is also known as Baker’s Fort and it was a military fort built by Sir Samuel Baker in Patiko in 1872.
The site was also referred to as the ‘’gate of no return’’ in the days of slavery because once slaves passed through the gate, they were never seen again.
After Sir Baker left in 1888, the fort was used by Emin Pasha and Charles Gordon to serve the Equatorial province of the British protectorate as Governors.
The Government of Uganda had this place gazetted in 1972 as a national historical monument.
History
Fort Patiko was one of the trading sites used by the Arabs in the 19th century. The entry points of the fort were built by Arab traders using rocks and cement that made it strong till date. The Arab traders also dug out caves that were used to keep the slaves for trade. The slaves would be chained and be separated. The strong and healthy ones were traded were the weak and sick were thrown off the cliff hence the name the gate of no return. The strong slaves would continue their journey to South Sudan then to Egypt while carrying goods like simsim, millet and sorghum for trade.
In 1870, Sir Samuel Baker collaborated with the Nubian fighters who managed to over throw the Arab traders and took over the Fort as a base for colonial rule.
After Sir Baker left in 1888, the fort was used by Emin Pasha and Charles Gordon to serve the Equatorial province of the British protectorate as Governors.
Location
Fort Patiko is located in Northern Uganda about 40 kilometers from Gulu town in Ajulu parish, Patiko sub-county Aswa county, Gulu district. The distance from Kampala to Gulu is 332km.
Attractions around Fort Patiko
Cultural dances and crafts
While at the Fort Patiko, one cannot miss to marvel at the unique cultural dances of the Acholi people, the Araka raka dance as well as their folks’ ware. There is also chance to see and purchase the local crafts, ornaments and regalia.
Hill hikes
There are several hills one can hike while at Fort Patiko. The hills include Ocecu hill where the fort sits, Ato, Kilak and Moro hills. One can opt to hike to these hill and have a great view of the surrounding environment as well as take the best shots.
Atiak Forest reserve
The reserve is a habitat to a number of wildlife species like the colobus monkeys and a variety of bird species that can be seen through the trails set up to allow visitors passage through the canopies. The reserve also provides camping for those that are interested in sleeping in the wild.
Amoro hot springs
The hot springs are located 35 kilometers away from Gulu town in Amoro sub-county, Kilak county. The hot spring covers an average area of 100sq meters and is the largest in the Northern region.
Murchison Falls National Park
This is the largest park in Uganda with a wide variety of wildlife. The park has attractions like the game drives, boat rides, game viewing and bird watching. While at Murchison falls national park, one can view the lions, elephants, giraffes, kobs, hippos, buffalos, bush backs, different monkey species as well as a variety of bird species.
Karuma Falls
The western part of Karuma falls is located in Gulu district while the Eastern part is located in pac district and the Southern part in Masindi district. The Karuma dam that was constructed at the falls have had minimal impact on the falls. This has led to a number of tourists visiting the falls especially in Masindi area.
Guru guru caves
The caves are located 25km north of Gulu town. The caves are said to have been used as an escape room for the rebels during the Lamogi rebellion and inter-clan wars among the Luo. They are a potential for future tourism after they are developed.
