While Gen Muhoozi has praised JATT for its efforts, the agency’s involvement in the Kawempe North by-election has raised questions about its role and accountability in non-terrorism-related operations.
Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has publicly commended the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JATT) for its work, even as the agency faces scrutiny over its recent involvement in the Kawempe North MP by-election campaigns.
JATT’s Role Under the Spotlight
The task force, established under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2002 to combat threats like the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency, has recently been in the news for its heavy-handed tactics during the by-election.
Clips circulating online show masked JATT personnel confronting National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters and journalists, sparking widespread debate.
Despite the backlash, Gen Muhoozi took to X to defend the agency, stating, “Who are they?? They are Ugandan Security, and they are doing a GREAT job!”
His remarks have reignited discussions about JATT’s mandate and its appropriateness in electoral contexts.
Who are they?? They are Ugandan Security and they are doing a GREAT job! https://t.co/Dikvhr4D4y
— Muhoozi Kainerugaba (@mkainerugaba) March 5, 2025
Related: Tensions Rise as PLU Announces Protest Against Kenyan Media Coverage
Mixed Reactions to JATT’s Deployment
While JATT’s primary role is to address terrorist threats, its involvement in the by-election has drawn criticism from lawmakers and the public.
Many question whether the agency’s deployment aligns with its anti-terrorism mandate.
Key concerns include:
- Reports of harsh treatment of journalists and NUP supporters
- The appropriateness of deploying a counter-terrorism unit for election-related activities
- Lack of transparency regarding JATT’s operations and accountability
Kira Municipality MP Ssemujju Nganda voiced these concerns, asking, “Since when did elections become terrorism that you must deploy JATT?”
He emphasized the need for the government to address the misuse of security agencies in political contexts.
Government Pledges Investigation
In response to the outcry, David Bahati, Minister of State for Trade, Industries, and Cooperatives, assured the public that the government would investigate the matter.
“Security agencies are meant to protect citizens, not harm them. We will visit the journalist and take necessary action,” he stated.
