Tension escalated in Kawempe last week when security forces, notably the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JATT), intervened in a procession led by Elias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola, the National Unity Platform (NUP) flag bearer for the Kawempe North by-election. The procession, en route from the Electoral Commission offices to Kawempe Mbogo grounds, was halted, leading to clashes that resulted in injuries, including one sustained by a journalist from Top Television.
Eyewitnesses reported that JATT personnel, dressed in black and wearing masks, managed the situation despite the presence of other security units such as the Military Police and the Field Force Unit (FFU). The deployment of these operatives in electoral matters has raised public concerns, especially following a recent raid on the NUP headquarters in Makerere Kavule, where operatives also concealed their identities.
Why are people concerned Over JATT’s Role?
The involvement of JATT in these operations has led to unease, with many questioning the police’s diminished role. Critics argue that the Electoral Commission must take responsibility for ensuring fair and transparent political processes, rather than allowing security forces to influence the electoral environment.
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Acting Major General Felix Kulayigye, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) spokesperson, distanced the army from JATT’s activities, stating that the operations in Kawempe were under police jurisdiction. He emphasized, “Security is done by police. So, the security that was being done in Kawempe was by police.”
Similarly, police spokesperson Fred Enanga once defended JATT, asserting that it operates within the law and that anyone uncomfortable with its activities should seek legal redress.
Despite these reassurances, opposition leaders and human rights activists warn that such heavy-handed security interventions could escalate tensions ahead of the 2026 elections. With journalists already expressing concerns about their safety while covering political events, the use of elite security forces in non-terror-related situations continues to raise alarms about police impartiality and potential human rights violations.
What is JATT Police Uganda?
The Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JATT) is a specialized security unit in Uganda, operating under the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Uganda Police Force. Originally formed to combat terrorism threats, JATT was instrumental in countering groups like the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and other armed insurgents.
However, in recent years, JATT has been increasingly involved in domestic security operations, including electoral interventions, political arrests, and high-profile raids. Its tactics, particularly the use of masked operatives and secretive operations, have drawn criticism from human rights organizations and opposition parties.
While the government maintains that JATT is a legitimate and necessary security unit, its expanding role in political and civilian matters has fueled debates about security overreach, abuse of power, and the erosion of democratic freedoms in Uganda.
