Police Advise Citizens to Seek Court Redress Over JATT Deployments Amid Kawempe North Tensions
By Spurb Ernest
The Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JATT) has faced widespread condemnation from Ugandans, including politicians, religious leaders, journalists, and human rights defenders, for its brutal treatment of civilians, with many pointing out that JATT operatives are trained to combat terrorism, not to manage elections or interact with civilians.
The Uganda Police Force has advised citizens who are uncomfortable with the deployments of the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JATT) in the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election to seek redress in court. This response comes amid escalating tensions surrounding the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election.
The situation worsened last Wednesday when clashes broke out between supporters of National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Erias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola following his nomination. The candidate was attempting to march to Kawempe Playground to address his supporters, but JATT personnel intervened, leading to violent confrontations.
During the altercation, Top TV journalist Miracle Ibra was struck in the eye with a baton, sustaining facial injuries. He was hospitalized at Nsambya Hospital for treatment. JATT has faced widespread condemnation from Ugandans, including politicians, religious leaders, journalists, and human rights defenders. Critics argue that JATT, which is primarily trained to combat terrorism, should not be tasked with managing elections or engaging with civilians.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke addressed the media at Naguru, asserting that JATT is a legitimate security entity and can be deployed anywhere, including during the Kawempe North nominations. “We cannot discuss the specifics of JATT’s operations, but rest assured it is a lawful security establishment. We can, however, address questions regarding the quality of their work on specific dates,” Rusoke said.
“If Ugandans are uncomfortable with JATT’s duties, I advise them to seek redress in court.” He added, “I can see people are focusing on its legitimacy. If you want to contest JATT’s legitimacy, the law is there. Uganda is free for anyone who wants to challenge a government body in court.”
Regarding the incident in which a journalist was injured, Rusoke stated that he was unaware of any ongoing investigations but emphasized that journalists are not considered antagonists by security agencies.
Meanwhile, Robert Ssempala, President of the Human Rights Network for Journalists (HRNJ), expressed concern over the increasing number of journalists being targeted while covering opposition events in Uganda.
He pointed out that this trend is especially alarming when compared to the relatively smooth coverage of government regime activities. “We are receiving a growing number of reports about journalists being brutalized while covering opposition events, compared to when covering activities of the regime government,” Ssempala said.
