Residents of the Teso sub-region are urging the incoming government to prioritize compensation for the Arrow Boys, a militia group that fought alongside the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to combat the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebels.
Many of these fighters lost their lives, homes, or were maimed during the insurgency, yet their families have yet to receive adequate support.
Paul Omer, the Mayor of Soroti City, highlighted the hardships faced by families affected by the conflict. “Children of fallen Arrow Boys have been forced into poverty, with some resorting to street life and prostitution due to lack of support,” he said.
Omer also called on the people of Teso to reject the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and instead vote for the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), citing the need for change and accountability.
In his response, FDC’s presidential candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi pledged to ensure that families of Arrow Boys who lost loved ones receive proper compensation.
“If a person in Teso lost three cows, I know how many cows they would be by now,” Mafabi said, emphasizing his understanding of the region’s suffering.
He further promised to create employment opportunities across all levels of society, aiming to improve living standards and foster economic growth.
During a campaign rally in Amuria District, Mafabi expressed outrage over how Teso’s rich resources—such as cassava, cotton, and fruits, have failed to translate into prosperity for its people.
“This is due to deliberate government neglect and corruption,” he asserted. “I promise to bring a fresh perspective and energy to empower citizens through equal opportunities and quality services.”
As Teso residents seek justice and development, the region’s political landscape heats up with calls for accountability, resource utilization, and meaningful support for those who fought to protect their communities.
