Baker's Fort, Colonial fort in Patiko, Uganda.
Baker's Fort is a stone fortification in Patiko that spans multiple hectares and is protected by a wide trench and surrounding hills. The structure contains various chambers and areas that served different functions, from administration to storage.
The fortification was founded in 1872 by British explorer Samuel Baker and served as a base for successive administrators including Emin Pasha and Charles Gordon. It became a symbol of British presence in East Africa during the period of expansion.
The fort played a key role in British expansion across the region and shows how colonial rule was organized on the ground. Visitors can see how the structure reinforced power dynamics and shaped daily life under foreign control.
The fort is located near Gulu and is reachable by local roads, with registration required at the local office. A visit typically takes several hours, and it is advisable to wear sturdy footwear since the terrain is hilly and uneven in places.
The fort has underground cavities with very narrow entrances that were designed for holding captives. Some of these hidden spaces require crawling to enter and reveal the darker side of colonial operations on the ground.
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