KAMPALA, UGANDA — Despite facing scrutiny over its operational methods, the Joint Anti-terrorism Task Force (JATT) has received commendation from Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. This endorsement comes in the wake of widespread public concern regarding JATT’s conduct during recent by-election campaigns.
Video footage circulating this week depicted individuals, largely masked and purportedly affiliated with JATT, engaging in forceful confrontations with National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters and members of the press during the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election. These incidents have sparked debates about the task force’s identity and operational guidelines.
In the face of these criticisms, General Kainerugaba has publicly acknowledged JATT as an integral component of Uganda’s security apparatus, offering his support for the unit’s efforts.
“Who are they?? They are Ugandan Security and they are doing a GREAT job!” Gen Muhoozi said on X (formerly Twitter).
Established under Uganda’s 2002 Anti-Terrorism Act, the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JATT) was created to counter the threat posed by groups like the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). Its core mission is to safeguard the nation from terrorist activities, drawing personnel from various security bodies, including the Internal Security Organization (ISO) and the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI).
However, the recent deployment of JATT during the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election has ignited significant controversy. Critics, including certain Members of Parliament (MPs), question the justification for utilizing an anti-terrorism unit in an electoral context. They argue that election-related matters fall outside JATT’s designated scope.
Particular concern has arisen over reports of JATT’s forceful interactions with journalists and supporters of National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Elias Nalukoola during the campaign. “Since when did elections become terrorism that you must deploy JATT?,” questioned Kira Municipality MP Ssemujju Nganda, emphasizing the broader issue of deploying such a unit for electoral policing. He, and other MPs, raised concerns about the heavy handed tactics used.
In response to the growing public and political pressure, the Minister of State for Trade, Industries, and Cooperatives, David Bahati, has pledged that the government will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding JATT’s deployment and actions.
“Security agencies are meant to protect citizens, not harm them. We will visit the journalist and take necessary action,” he said.
