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New Vision (Kampala)
October 14, 2003
Posted to the web October 14, 2003
Richard Otim
Soroti
The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) has taken up the overall command of the Arrow Group in Teso.
Coordinator Musa Ecweru said all units of the militia in Teso would now be led by UPDF commanders.
"This is what we have been looking forward to. We had been yearning for the centralisation of the command of this militia," Ecweru said.
He said the move was intended to counter rumours that the militia would be exploited by Teso leaders. The militia has recruited at least 1,000 fighters.
UPDF spokesman Maj. Shaban Bantariza said all Local Defence Units (LDU) must be commanded by the UPDF because they lack expertise and experience.
Ecweru said some politicians including members of the Uganda People's Congress (UPC) attempted to kill the anti Kony spirit in Teso.
"Many of these detractors thought the Arrow Group would become unruly. They are now under the UPDF so the fears that the boys would refuse to surrender are baseless," Ecweru said.
He was recently reacting to claims by, Dr. James Rwanyarare, of UPC that the militia were illegal.
He said the UPDF had created a training wing to equip volunteers with more combat skills.
Following Arrow Group successes, Lira leaders also formed Rhino Group to tackle the rebels.
