Arrow Boys integrated into army
May 16, 2007
THE Teso-based Arrow Boys militias have been absorbed into the regular forces. The UPDF 3rd Division commander, Col. Patrick Kankiriho, on Monday said some of them had been integrated into the army, while others would be incorporated into the anti-stock theft unit.
By Nathan Etengu
THE Teso-based Arrow Boys militias have been absorbed into the regular forces. The UPDF 3rd Division commander, Col. Patrick Kankiriho, on Monday said some of them had been integrated into the army, while others would be incorporated into the anti-stock theft unit.
He explained that the militias would be deployed at the borders of Teso and Karamoja sub-region to guard against cattle rustling. “We shall take on others as special Police constables.â€
Kankiriho explained that the absorption of the militia into the regular force would ease and regularise their payments and command.
He attributed the delay in paying the militias’ salaries to the fact that the force was not directly under the Ministry of Defence. “Once absorbed, they will earn a better pay.â€
He affirmed that those not willing to join the regular forces would be retired. “They will receive both their salary arrears and packages.â€
“We have high regard for the Arrow Boys because of their efforts towards the defeat of the Lord’s Resistance Army rebels in Teso,†Kankiriho added.
The UPDF 3rd Division publicist, Lt. Henry Obo, noted that those who retired earlier would be paid salary arrears.
The internal affairs committee of Parliament on Tuesday resolved that salary arrears for the auxiliary forces be paid in the next financial year.
The Arrow Boys militia was formed in 2003 to help the army fight the LRA rebels who had invaded Teso region.
The force was later converted into an auxiliary unit with four battalions.
THE Teso-based Arrow Boys militias have been absorbed into the regular forces. The UPDF 3rd Division commander, Col. Patrick Kankiriho, on Monday said some of them had been integrated into the army, while others would be incorporated into the anti-stock theft unit.
He explained that the militias would be deployed at the borders of Teso and Karamoja sub-region to guard against cattle rustling. “We shall take on others as special Police constables.â€
Kankiriho explained that the absorption of the militia into the regular force would ease and regularise their payments and command.
He attributed the delay in paying the militias’ salaries to the fact that the force was not directly under the Ministry of Defence. “Once absorbed, they will earn a better pay.â€
He affirmed that those not willing to join the regular forces would be retired. “They will receive both their salary arrears and packages.â€
“We have high regard for the Arrow Boys because of their efforts towards the defeat of the Lord’s Resistance Army rebels in Teso,†Kankiriho added.
The UPDF 3rd Division publicist, Lt. Henry Obo, noted that those who retired earlier would be paid salary arrears.
The internal affairs committee of Parliament on Tuesday resolved that salary arrears for the auxiliary forces be paid in the next financial year.
The Arrow Boys militia was formed in 2003 to help the army fight the LRA rebels who had invaded Teso region.
The force was later converted into an auxiliary unit with four battalions.