Chief of Defense Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has commended the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JATT) despite growing criticism over its recent operations.
This week, masked personnel, widely believed to be JATT operatives, made headlines after videos emerged showing them using forceful tactics against National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters and journalists during the Kawempe North MP by-election campaigns.
As concerns mount over JATT’s identity and operational approach, Gen. Muhoozi has reaffirmed that the task force is an integral part of Uganda’s security apparatus.
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“Who are they?? They are Ugandan Security, and they are doing a GREAT job!” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Established under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2002, JATT was created in response to the Lord’s Resistance Army’s (LRA) insurgency in Northern Uganda. Its core mandate is to combat terrorist threats across the country. The unit comprises personnel from various security agencies, including the Internal Security Organization (ISO) and the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI).
However, JATT’s involvement in the Kawempe North by-election has sparked debate. Some lawmakers have questioned the justification for deploying an anti-terrorism unit in an electoral process, arguing that such matters fall outside JATT’s mandate.
MPs have particularly raised concerns over reports of excessive force against journalists and supporters of NUP candidate Elias Nalukoola.
“Since when did elections become terrorism that requires JATT deployment?” asked Kira Municipality MP Ssemujju Nganda. “The Leader of the Opposition has highlighted the journalist’s ordeal, but the real issue is why JATT is handling elections. That’s what the government must explain.”
In response, Minister of State for Trade, Industries, and Cooperatives, David Bahati, assured that the government would look into the matter.
“Security agencies exist to protect citizens, not to harm them. We will visit the journalist and take appropriate action,” he stated.
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