Uganda’s history is crumbling
Aug 04, 2009
EDITOR—Uganda has a rich past that has not yet been exploited. It has been recorded by many historians. Researchers and other scholars started visiting Uganda in the 1800s. Muslim traders and Egyptians brought their influence through northern Uganda.
EDITOR—Uganda has a rich past that has not yet been exploited. It has been recorded by many historians. Researchers and other scholars started visiting Uganda in the 1800s. Muslim traders and Egyptians brought their influence through northern Uganda.
Are Ugandans informed of these historical traces that originate from the Egyptian influence? In 1800, the youth and old were sold as slaves to the Arabs. They would pass through Khartoum then to the Indian Ocean.
It was due to this that we have monuments in Nimule close to the border of Sudan, Fort Partiko in Gulu, Dufile in Moyo, Wedelai in Nebbi-packwach, Magungo, Foweira, Pabo now the largest IDP camp and Padebe, to mention a few. All these forts were built along the Nile. Charles Gordon, the Governor General of Equatorial province, established most of these forts apart from Patiko which was built by Sir Samuel Baker in an attempt to stop slavery. Unfortunately, some of these forts have crumbled and if no action is taken they will disappear. For example, the fort at wadelai is crumbling and the one in Kibiro crumbled into Lake Albert!
The Department of Museums and Monuments has tried to restore these historical relics.
The department also calls upon Ugandans to conserve and preserve this non-renewable history so as to pass it on to the future generations. Uganda’s history must also be taught in the early stages so as to equip young people with their heritage.
It is also important to maintain these forts and make them tourist sites/education centres so as to show the world the uniqueness of the country.
Jackline Nyiracyiza
Conservator (History/Archaeology
Department of Museums and Monuments
Are Ugandans informed of these historical traces that originate from the Egyptian influence? In 1800, the youth and old were sold as slaves to the Arabs. They would pass through Khartoum then to the Indian Ocean.
It was due to this that we have monuments in Nimule close to the border of Sudan, Fort Partiko in Gulu, Dufile in Moyo, Wedelai in Nebbi-packwach, Magungo, Foweira, Pabo now the largest IDP camp and Padebe, to mention a few. All these forts were built along the Nile. Charles Gordon, the Governor General of Equatorial province, established most of these forts apart from Patiko which was built by Sir Samuel Baker in an attempt to stop slavery. Unfortunately, some of these forts have crumbled and if no action is taken they will disappear. For example, the fort at wadelai is crumbling and the one in Kibiro crumbled into Lake Albert!
The Department of Museums and Monuments has tried to restore these historical relics.
The department also calls upon Ugandans to conserve and preserve this non-renewable history so as to pass it on to the future generations. Uganda’s history must also be taught in the early stages so as to equip young people with their heritage.
It is also important to maintain these forts and make them tourist sites/education centres so as to show the world the uniqueness of the country.
Jackline Nyiracyiza
Conservator (History/Archaeology
Department of Museums and Monuments