UPDF Defends JAT Involvement in Kawempe By-election

JAT forces rained impunity on opposition NUP supporters with still and video images leaving even regime apologists cringing

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has officially confirmed that the gunmen terrorizing residents in Kawempe are part of their own ranks, brought in to support the police who were reportedly overwhelmed by National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters.

Acting Maj. Gen. Felix Kulayigye, the UPDF spokesperson, explained that the soldiers were deployed to the area after civilians, who were allegedly hostile towards them, triggered the military’s high-handed response.

“[The soldiers] were deployed to assist the police in controlling the situation when the NUP supporters became too overwhelming,” Kulayigye said.

This admission comes after weeks of denial from various security agencies who previously distanced themselves from the JAT (Joint Anti-Terrorism) unit, a group of black-clad militants who have been accused of human rights violations, particularly against politicians in the Kawempe area.

Their actions have left Ugandans questioning how the group could operate with apparent impunity, leading to speculations that the military and other agencies were either unaware or complicit.

Erias Lukwago, president of the People Power Front (PFF), expressed his concerns about the presence and activities of the JAT militants in Kawempe.

He believes the increasing pressure and public outcry may have led the UPDF to finally admit the group’s involvement.

“This is a situation where the UPDF had no choice but to come clean about the JAT soldiers being part of their ranks. The public pressure became too intense for them to continue denying it,” Lukwago said.

Maj. Gen. Kulayigye defended the army's actions, emphasizing that the soldiers were responding to a call from the police.

“The police were overwhelmed by the situation. They asked for our assistance when the NUP members became too numerous, and we had to intervene,” he explained.

Despite concerns about the tactics employed by the JAT personnel, the UPDF maintains that the unit was created legally and will continue to assist the police when needed.

“The JAT will be deployed whenever the police are under siege,” Maj. Gen. Kulayigye affirmed, urging Ugandans to respect the police to avoid further escalation involving the black-uniformed soldiers.

However, the return of the JAT, which has resulted in injuries to several people, has sparked fears among Ugandans, particularly politicians, who worry about the potential for the group to play a significant role in the upcoming 2026 elections.

Lukwago remains critical of the JAT’s legitimacy, arguing that its involvement in human rights violations must be thoroughly investigated.

“The people of Uganda have every right to question the legality and purpose of the JAT. It is essential that the public sees a transparent investigation into their actions,” Lukwago insisted.

In response, the UPDF has promised to launch an investigation into the conduct of the JAT soldiers in Kawempe to determine whether any disciplinary action is necessary.

As the situation continues to unfold, Ugandans are left wondering about the future role of the JAT and the broader implications for security and politics leading into the 2026 elections.