The Joint Anti-Terrorist Task Force (JATT) is a multi-agency security unit of the Government of Uganda established to combat terrorism and insurgency within the country. The task force was initially formed on May 13, 1999, and later formalized under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2002.
History
JATT was established in 1999 as a joint operation drawing personnel from multiple security agencies including the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF), the Uganda Police Force, and both internal and external intelligence organizations.
Structure and composition
JATT operates as a joint unit under the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) and incorporates personnel from various security agencies. The task force includes members from:
- Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF)
- Uganda Police Force
- Internal Security Organisation (ISO)
- External Security Organisation (ESO)
- Defence Intelligence and Security (DIS)
The unit has no formally codified mandate, despite constitutional requirements that intelligence services be established through proper legal frameworks.
Along with the Internal Security Organization (ISO) and the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), the unit has continue to operate behind curtains for most of its operations.
Controversies
JATT has faced significant criticism from human rights organizations regarding its operational methods. Human Rights Watch documented cases of illegal detention and torture by the task force, noting that agents often conduct arrests in civilian clothes without identifying insignia and fail to inform suspects of arrest reasons.