Bunyoro Kingdom is a Paradise when it comes to interesting attractions that range from natural sites like the Murchison Falls National Park-largest and oldest National Park in the country, Budongo Forest reserve, Bugoma Forest Reserve and a number of cultural sites such as the Mparo Royal Tombs and also the Katashiha Fort and Caves among others. This Kingdom has a rich history especially that surrounds the former King-Omukama Kabalega, one of the fiercest and toughest Kings of all times.

The Katashiha Fort and Caves is situated in Hoima district, at about 3 kilometers along Hoima-Biso-Butiaba road. This historical Fort was built by then King-Omukama Kabalega Chwa II of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom in 1894 as an escape spot/hideout and defense point during the war and resistance with the British Empire. When you visit this Site, you will come across a River before reaching the site where the Katashiha Fort and Caves are found, and it is believed that the River was the first defense point for the King and his army. He always utilized the fort and Caves to fight battles or wars after he left his Palace at Mparo-current location of the Mparo Royal Tombs.

King (Omukama) Kabalega Chwa II mobilized/assembled his soldiers to excavate the trenches in protective circles with numerous tunnels to allow them enter and exit easily. The various tunnels that were built within 30 days enabled his soldiers to transfer from one command post to the other and not only that, the tunnels provided them with shelter and cover from the bullets that would be aimed at them. This former King-known as a warrior fought numerous battles against the British Empire around the Fort and caves as a way of protecting his Kingdom against their Rule. The way Omukama Kabalega set up his battlefield and the seven long years it took for the joined forces of the British Empire, Buganda Kingdom and the Sudanese Government to overcome and defeat him made this warrior King one of the toughest opponents that the British colonialists ever encountered during their rule. Omukama Kabalega later deserted the Katashiha Fort and Caves and withdrew, and moved northwards where he eventually waged a guerilla war.

In the year 1893, the army of the British Empire took over the Fort and caves and later used them as their base for Military operations against Omukama Kabalega who was proving difficult to them.

In 1898, the Chiefs of Omukama Kabalega-Chief Ireta and Chief Kikukule eventually attacked and burnt down the Fort and Caves. However, the Fort was later rebuilt in 1900 into the Bunyoro District Headquarters. Katashiha Fort was again deserted when the district Headquarters moved to their current location in 1967.  What now remains of Katashiha Fort is a long trench partly filled with soil running in a number of directions. The size of the underground Tunnel was known as the entrance was blocked several years ago hence only smaller or no entrance points exist in some areas.

In conclusion, the Katashiha Fort and Caves of one of the most important historical and heritage sites within Bunyoro Kingdom because used to be a battle field and hiding place by the former King-Omukama Kabalega of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom against the British Empire.