Kampala — Bishop Matthias Sekamanya of Lugazi Catholic Diocese has criticised the Government for arming militias to fight rebels in northern and eastern Uganda.

Opening a dormitory at St. Joseph's S.S Naggalama recently, Sekamanya said the Arrow Group and Amuka militia risked death because they were not well trained.

He said the militias could easily turn against themselves and start tribal wars or even attack their unarmed neighbours.

Sekamanya said it would also be difficult for the Government to disarm the militias.

He said they would be like the Karimajong who were armed to defend themselves against cattle rustlers but became a menace to their neighbours and even refused to hand in the guns when the Government told them to.

sekamanya asked the Government to consider people's background and character while recruiting them.

He said the internally displaced people in the north were living under poor conditions characterised by rampant poverty, a high rate of rape, sexually transmitted diseases and abducting of girls.

Sekamanya called for prayer, saying ending the northern war was a challenge of every Ugandan.