By Mulengera Reporters
The Minister of State for Internal Affairs, David Muhoozi, has criticized the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JATT) for covering their faces while on duty, calling the practice “unacceptable.” He emphasized that law enforcement officers should be identifiable rather than concealing their identities.
“It isn’t acceptable. If you are enforcing the law, you must be properly identified,” Muhoozi stated. “We have rules of engagement and written guidelines for officers. We must ensure that enforcement is carried out according to these dictates.”
He made these remarks on March 11, 2025, while appearing before Parliament’s Defence and Internal Affairs Committee. His comments were in response to concerns raised by Mukono North MP Abdallah Kiwanuka, who questioned whether the government had introduced a new dress code that required officers to completely cover their faces with hoods.
JATT’s Accountability
Kiwanuka also criticized security agencies for failing to hold accountable officers who brutalized civilians during the Kawempe by-election. He accused the police and JATT of using excessive force and concealing their identities to evade responsibility.
“But your communication and stance towards these officers who mask themselves while assaulting Ugandans have been weak,” Kiwanuka said. “Why are they hiding? Is it a directive from the government?”
He further alleged that JATT officers had assaulted him on the orders of Kawempe Divisional Police Commander (DPC) Matovu and demanded to know whether action was being taken against all officers involved in acts of brutality or if accountability was being applied selectively.
“I was one of the victims in Kawempe,” Kiwanuka said. “I want to know whether action is being taken against all officers who battered and assaulted Ugandans or if it is only selective enforcement.”
Kiwanuka also pressed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abasi Byakagaba to clarify whether he had personally sanctioned JATT’s deployment in Kawempe. “Mr. IGP, did you authorize JATT’s actions, or are you not in control of them? And if not, who is in charge of JATT in Kawempe?” he asked.
Action Against Brutal Officers
In response, Minister Muhoozi assured the committee that action would be taken if evidence was provided against the officers accused of brutality. “If he did what you claim, it will be verified, and action will be taken,” Muhoozi said. “We apply professional standards across the board.”
He acknowledged that JATT operates within Uganda’s broader security framework alongside the police and military. However, he stressed that any acts of misconduct by JATT officers should not reflect on the entire security apparatus.
“When individuals in JATT or even the police engage in excesses, the law must apply,” Muhoozi said. “We give them rules of engagement and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to follow. Any officer who violates these should be held accountable.”
IGP Defends Police Command
IGP Byakagaba affirmed his authority over the police, stating, “I am in charge of the police, as mandated by the Constitution. However, my duties also require coordination with other security agencies to ensure national safety.”
Regarding the Kawempe by-election violence, he admitted that mistakes had been made but insisted that disciplinary measures were ongoing. “We do not take indiscipline lightly,” Byakagaba said. “What happened was regrettable, but improvements have since been made.”
Call for a ‘Deeper Conversation’
Beyond the specific concerns about JATT’s dress code and conduct, Muhoozi called for a national conversation on responsible behavior among both civilians and security forces. “You know, even civilians are becoming defiant—people no longer have respect,” he remarked. “We need a broader discussion beyond dissidents to ensure that everyone does their part. You cannot offend the law recklessly and expect others to always behave reasonably.”
Contradiction with CDF’s Directives
Minister Muhoozi’s condemnation of JATT’s concealed dress code appears to contradict recent tweets by Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Muhoozi Kainerugaba. In February 2025, Kainerugaba ordered JATT to use excessive force against supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and even threatened to fire officers who failed to comply.
This stark contrast in directives raises further questions about the chain of command and accountability within Uganda’s security forces. Parliament Watch. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
