Akena to Gen. Muhoozi: JATT’s roles do not include terrorising the public

Jimmy Akena, president of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), has responded to the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugabe.

Akena’s response focused on the operation and reported cases of human rights violations by Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JATT) soldiers.

Gen. Muhoozi supervises JATT, one of the special forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).

Earlier this week, and in previous weeks, JATT and other army personnel assigned to manage security during the Kawempe North MP by-election were seen beating up opposition supporters, including some politicians.

Journalists, too, were beaten. Their reporting equipment was confiscated, and some are still in the hospital.

During campaigns for the Kawempe North MP by-election, opposition MPs expressed concern about the military deployment, citing a “improper dress code” that prevents soldiers beating people from being identified.

CDF Gen Muhoozi later defended the dress code via X.

“Wearing a balaclava is standard procedure amongst all Special Forces in the world. Here is a sample from the British, French and Russian Special Forces. All our Special Forces including JATT will continue wearing balaclavas!”

In reply, Akena wrote: “True, but I’m yet to see any of these elite forces clobbering unarmed political actors involved in a political process & also turn their training unto the member of the Press. JATT’s roles do not include terrorising the public; doing so deserves to hide behind a mask of shame.”

As Uganda prepares for general elections in 2026, it appears that JATT will continue to do their work because they have the support of their boss, the CDF.

On the other hand, politicians, particularly those who oppose the government, should be prepared to accept security forces’ actions as a result of political mobilisation and campaigns.