THE FORGOTTEN KATASIHA FORT AND CAVES

When it comes to tourism, Uganda is that one magical country that never ceases to amaze its visitors with long lasting experiences. That said, the beautiful Katasiha Fort and Caves, Hoima district are indeed a few significant living testimony of past history Kabalega of Bunyoro. At a time, the fort and caves were set up by King Kabalega around 1894 and served as a hideout and defense line especially during the war with the British. Prior getting to this site, there is a river that offered the first line of defense for the king’s army. This historical site was fully utilized by King Kabalega to overcome the war after he left his palace at Mparo.

The site lies suitably in Hoima district approximately 3 (three) kilometers along Hoima-Biso-Butiaba road and it is bordered by a ditch that was built by Colonel Colville at a time he led war against Omukama Kabalega. The cave around the fort was used by King’s forces to fight off the colonial invasion and today, it is used for recreation and picnic facilities. What is significant about this historical site is that visitors are attracted to it mainly to explore more about what occurred at a time, its history and still brings memories of Omukama and the pride to Bunyoro kingdom as a whole.

KATASIHA FORT AND CAVES

The army and Kabalega were attacked at Mparo in December 1890 and it was during this time that they had to withdraw to Katasiha and set up a battled front. He then mobilized his soldiers to dig up trenches in protective circles with various tunnels that were built within 30 days’ time that enabled his army to move from one command post to another and these tunnels offered a cover from bullets. The king fought several battles against the British around the Fort and Caves. However, the manner in which king Kabalega set up his battlefield and the 7 years it took the combined forces of the British, Sudanese and Baganda to defeat him made him one of the toughest opponents to be faced by the colonialists. But after, he left the site and retreated northwards from where he waged a guerrilla war. In 1893, the British army covered the Fort and Caves that were later used as a base for military operations against him. Around 1898, the fort was burnt when King’s chief Kikukule and Ireta attacked and burnt it down. Later, it was re-set as the Bunyoro district headquarters in 1900. Katasiha Fort was again left when the district offices were transferred to their current area in 1967. After, it was protected as an important historical site with a long trench partially filled by soil extending in many directions. 

Its history alone makes it remarkably a few most significant and beautiful sites one can pay a visit while on Uganda safari. Ideally, it enabled visitors on cultural safari to explore more about not only the history of this region alone but Uganda as a whole. While at this area, you have opportunity to also engage in community walk or pay a visit to the nearby village where you will interact with the local residents, learn more about their daily activities, traditions thus rewarding you with first hand cultural experiences.