Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has praised the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JATT) for its role in maintaining security, despite growing criticism over its recent operations.
The security unit came under scrutiny this week after masked personnel, believed to be part of JATT, were captured on video confronting National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters and journalists with what some described as “heavy-handed tactics” during the Kawempe North MP by-election campaigns.
Amid public outrage and calls for accountability, Gen Muhoozi took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to defend JATT’s role, stating, “Who are they?? They are Ugandan Security, and they are doing a GREAT job!”
JATT was established under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2002 in response to the insurgency of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in Northern Uganda. The unit is tasked with combating terrorist threats and operates under Uganda’s security apparatus, drawing personnel from agencies such as the Internal Security Organization (ISO) and the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI).
Despite Gen Muhoozi’s endorsement, concerns over JATT’s operations and its engagement with civilians continue to spark debate, with human rights groups and opposition members calling for greater transparency and accountability in the force’s conduct.
