A shadowy group referred to as "JAT" has emerged in Uganda, with brutal crackdowns on political dissenters raising questions about their identity, affiliations, and apparent impunity.
The acronym "JAT" has been loosely associated with Uganda’s security apparatus, with some claiming it stands for "Joint Anti-Terrorism"
JAT operatives are heavily armed, masked individuals conducting aggressive arrests, and its said they are particularly targeting supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP)
The prevailing theory is that JAT answers to high ranking figures within the Ugandan government or military. Some suggested they’re mercenaries hired to suppress Ugandans, possibly not even Ugandan themselves.
Critics allege ties to President Yoweri Museveni’s administration, which has faced accusations of authoritarian tactics ahead of elections. However, no official statement from the government or UPDF has confirmed JAT’s existence or mandate, leaving their chain of command a mystery.
JAT have been seen arresting without warrants, using excessive force, and vanishing without scrutiny.
Sources say JAT’s confidence stems from a belief they’re untouchable, backed by a system that prioritizes control over transparency. Yet, without concrete evidence, these remain allegations, and the group’s nonchalant demeanor only deepens the enigma.