Anti-rustling force recruits 1,300
Apr 30, 2007
THE Anti Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) has recruited 1,300 personnel for deployment along the border with Karamoja and southern Sudan. The unit commander, Andrew Sorowen, said the exercise aims at creating a force to block the infiltration of the Lango-Sudan tribesmen that often raid cattle from the distr
By Nathan Etengu
THE Anti Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) has recruited 1,300 personnel for deployment along the border with Karamoja and southern Sudan. The unit commander, Andrew Sorowen, said the exercise aims at creating a force to block the infiltration of the Lango-Sudan tribesmen that often raid cattle from the districts of Kitgum and Adjumani.
He revealed that 700 personnel were recruited from Adjumani and Abim districts, while 600 were recruited from Sironko, Kapchorwa and Bukwo districts.
Sorowen said the major objective of the force was to reduce cattle raids and provide security to the displaced persons.
He added that the recruits would undergo a short military course at the unit training camp in Katakwi district before they are deployed. Sorowen refuted claims that the new personnel had been recruited for deployment in Somalia, where Uganda recently sent a contingent of about 1,500 UPDF soldiers for a peacekeeping mission.
He stressed that the unit will continue to provide security along the Karamoja border and in neighbouring districts, while the UPDF operates within Karamoja to enforce the removal of illegal guns.
THE Anti Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) has recruited 1,300 personnel for deployment along the border with Karamoja and southern Sudan. The unit commander, Andrew Sorowen, said the exercise aims at creating a force to block the infiltration of the Lango-Sudan tribesmen that often raid cattle from the districts of Kitgum and Adjumani.
He revealed that 700 personnel were recruited from Adjumani and Abim districts, while 600 were recruited from Sironko, Kapchorwa and Bukwo districts.
Sorowen said the major objective of the force was to reduce cattle raids and provide security to the displaced persons.
He added that the recruits would undergo a short military course at the unit training camp in Katakwi district before they are deployed. Sorowen refuted claims that the new personnel had been recruited for deployment in Somalia, where Uganda recently sent a contingent of about 1,500 UPDF soldiers for a peacekeeping mission.
He stressed that the unit will continue to provide security along the Karamoja border and in neighbouring districts, while the UPDF operates within Karamoja to enforce the removal of illegal guns.