Security operatives attached to the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JATTF) have quickly gained notoriety for the wrong reasons, as they have been captured brutally beating and arresting civilians especially those that subscribe to the National Unity Platform (NUP). The unit is heavily deployed in the ongoing Kawempe North by-election.
Since nominations last week, the unit has faced widespread condemnation from Ugandans, including politicians, religious leaders, journalists, and human rights defenders, for its brutal acts. Many have pointed out that JAT operatives are trained to combat terrorism, not to manage elections or interact with civilians.
The JAT officers, who wear masks to conceal their identities, were also recently involved in the raid on NUP offices in Makerere Kavule.
While addressing the media on Monday, Police Spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma defended the presence of JAT in Kawempe, describing it as a legally established security unit. He advised those questioning JATTF’s actions to seek legal redress.
On the other hand, army spokesperson Felix Kulaigye denied military involvement in the ongoing operations in Kawempe, stating that such operations are led by the police.
On Sunday, while leading mass, Kampala Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere challenged the government to allow fair competition in elections, saying that it would be better to have no elections at all than to have ones marred by violence.
Security expert Yasin Ssekamate warned that Ugandans are being plunged into serious turmoil and urged the government to recognize the situation and change course. He cautioned that if no action is taken, the country is headed for disaster, as the government, with the help of security forces, has blocked avenues for citizens to address their concerns.
But What Is JAT?
JATTF officers resemble members of the police’s Anti-Terrorism Unit, also known as the Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), as both groups wear nearly identical uniforms and share a focus on combating terrorism threats.
However, despite their similarities, JATTF is a distinct entity with a different mandate and oversight.
The Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force was established under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2002 to combat threats posed by terrorist groups, primarily the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in northern Uganda.
Unlike the police-run CTU, the JATTF operates under the supervision of the Internal Security Organization (ISO) and the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI).
JATTF is composed of personnel from multiple security agencies, including the Uganda Police Force, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), and the Special Forces Command (SFC).
JATTF officers undergo specialized training and are equipped for both overt (open) and covert (secret) operations. Their uniforms and gear vary based on the nature of the mission.
The JATTF has faced both local and international scrutiny, with allegations of torture and illegal detention of suspects. However, the Ugandan government has consistently denied these claims.
