Fort Patiko Uganda | The Baker’s Fort
Fort Patiko Uganda | The Baker’s Fort : also referred to as Fort Baker was a military fort built by Samuel Baker in Patiko. Actually, it’s a piece of the 19th – century history that was built by Sir Samuel Baker as a military Fort in order to stop slave trade. The ruins of the fort remain in Ajulu parish, Patiko sub-county, Aswa County, Gulu district in Uganda. The stone structure around the fort symbolizes Sir Samuel Baker’s exceptional effort against ending slavery in the area. Otherwise, the Fort construction was finally completed in the year 1872. Today, Fort Patiko holds a strong historical importance hence a significant place for tourist attraction.
Historical background of Fort Patiko
The Egyptian Arabs came across Ocecu Hill as they looked for convenient trading venue. As a result, they built huts to aid as stores for valuables like ivory, foods as well as ammunition. Ocecu Hill later became the main place for trading slaves. In 1864, Sir Samuel Baker and his wife Florence Baker encountered Patiko during their search for treasures that was mentioned by John Speke. They both travelled through Patiko before discovering Murchison falls and Lake Albert. Sir Samuel Baker and his wife departed in 1888 and the Fort was used by Charles Gordon and Emin Pasha. They used it while they served as Governor of the Equatorial province of the British Uganda protectorate
Slaves who couldn’t make along journey to the main slavery market in Egypt were beheaded in this spot. Therefore, here, there are dark marks believed to be blood splatters of slaves which are still very visible on the rocks. Around the compound are axe slices which were used to behead the slaves during the execution. In fact, lucky men who stayed were forced to dig more caves for accommodations out of rocks. On the other hand, women were forced to grind tones of millet till their hands bled. The unpleasant background of Baker’s fort has been erased by its natural and attractive scenery. Therefore, this offers chances of worth a visit for tourists. Listening to this story at Fort Patiko is amazing and your mind runs back to the slave days.
What to see and do at Fort Patiko
Hill climbing
There are a number of isolated hills in the district that offers opportunity for hill climbing. These include: Kailak, Ato, Patiko and Moro hills gives you beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Colobus Monkeys in Atiak
A large concentration of colobus monkeys exists in the Atiak forest reserve near the Albert Nile. The fairly rare mammals, wide variety of bird and forest canopies combine to give a potential attraction.
Cultural performances and Antiquities
The Acholi dance and antiquities have not yet been fully developed to tap the potential benefits from tourism. There are plans by the local authorities to establish a cultural centre in Gulu town for crafts, souvenirs, cultural ornaments and regalia.
Other attractions near Fort Patiko
Guru Guru Caves
The caves are located about 25 kilometers north of Gulu town- which was later identified in 2020 as a city in Northern Uganda. They are said to have been used as safe haven during the Lamogi rebellion and historical inter-clan wars among the Lou. The caves basically offer opportunities for further diversification of tourism products when developed. Therefore, if you are traveling to Gulu for any purpose, make a stop at these caves and discover the hidden secrets behind their existence.
Amoro Hot spring
The Hot spring is located about 35 kilometers from Gulu City, in Paga parish, Amoro sub-county, Kilak County. Additionally, they cover an area of about 100 square meters and the largest found in northern Uganda. Although undeveloped, the place has a lot of potential for tourism exploitation. Furthermore, the surrounding landscape is suitable for developing campsites and excursion grounds.
Tochi Resort Beach
Located about 20 kilometers south of Gulu City, Tochi beach is a low lying sandy bank of River Tochi. Besides, the beach has a potential for development into an important tourist attraction for excursions, camping and Bandas.
How to Fort Patiko
Fort Patiko lies on Ocecu hill about 29 kilometres north of Gulu City at Nimule nearing Sudan and Egypt. Fort Patiko is about 50 minutes ride on motorcycle (boda) from Gulu town.
