State Minister for Works and Transport, Musa Ecweru, has applauded President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s pronouncement to appreciate former Arrow Boys; the community self-defense force that played a pivotal role in defeating the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency in Teso sub-region in the early 2000s.
The President made the declaration while campaigning in Kalaki District, one of the areas that bore the brunt of LRA attacks and where the notorious rebel commander, Charles Tabuley, was killed in 2003.
Ecweru, who once served as a local rebel leader before being integrated into government structures, went on to command the Arrow Boys a force formed through a parliamentary motion by then Soroti Municipality Member of Parliament Capt. Mike Mukula to support the UPDF in flushing out the LRA.
Speaking in Amuria District, Minister Ecweru described Museveni’s gesture as long overdue recognition of the sacrifices made by thousands of local fighters who risked their lives to restore peace in Teso.
“I was privileged to command 7,714 Arrow Boys and women who fought alongside the UPDF. Of these, 4,000 were integrated into active service, 144 died in action, and 3,714 were later demobilized. I am extremely delighted that the President has pronounced himself on compensating them,” Ecweru said.
He explained that while the Arrow Boys were not pensionable since they were recruited as an auxiliary force, the President’s directive to classify them among veterans brings long-awaited relief.
“If each of the demobilized Arrow Boys could be given even one million shillings, and families of the 144 who died in action given three million each, it would go a long way in restoring dignity to those who fought to defend their homes,” he emphasized.
Ecweru hailed President Museveni’s leadership for restoring peace and dignity to the people of Teso, recalling the days when thousands of residents were confined to internally displaced people’s camps.
“At some point, my people lived in camps for years. Today, every father, mother, son and daughter wakes up in their own homes to fend for themselves. That dignity has returned because of peace,” he said.
The Minister also commended the government’s ongoing infrastructure projects, including community access roads and plans to tarmac the Soroti–Amuria–Achanipi–Otuke–Agago road, as well as initiatives under the Parish Development Model aimed at increasing household incomes.
He further rallied support for President Museveni’s reelection bid, saying his continued leadership is essential for maintaining the peace and stability that Uganda and the wider Great Lakes region currently enjoy.
“The winning of President Museveni is equal to stability and peace not only in Uganda but in the whole of Africa. That’s why Amuria will give him 99%,” Ecweru declared.
The Minister concluded by calling for the establishment of an industrial park in Amuria to create employment opportunities for the youth and sustain the gains of peace in Teso.
The Arrow Boys were a community defense force formed in 2003 after the LRA extended its insurgency into Teso sub-region.
Backed by the UPDF, they played a decisive role in driving the rebels out of the area.
Their success became a turning point in the fight against the LRA, marking one of Uganda’s most remarkable community-led defense efforts.
