Minister Muhoozi Criticises JAT Officers’ Use of Hoods, Defends Police Action
The Minister of State for Internal Affairs, David Muhoozi, has condemned the practice of Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JATT) officers wearing hoods while on duty, calling it "unacceptable."
He emphasized that security personnel must be identifiable when enforcing the law, especially in operations that involve public interactions.
Muhoozi made the remarks during his appearance before Parliament's Defence and Internal Affairs Committee, where he responded to concerns raised by Mukono North MP Abdallah Kiwanuka. Kiwanuka questioned whether the government had approved a new dress code allowing officers to conceal their identities.
“It isn’t acceptable. If you are enforcing the law, you must be properly identified,” Muhoozi said.
“We have rules of engagement and booklets written to officers. We must ensure that enforcement is done according to legal dictates.”
Kiwanuka, however, criticised the government’s response to allegations of brutality by JATT officers, particularly during the recent Kawempe by-election campaign.
He accused security forces of using excessive force against civilians and questioned why officers involved in such actions continued to operate anonymously.
“Your communication and stand towards these people who battered Ugandans and police officers who mask themselves, hiding their identity, has been weak,” Kiwanuka said. “Why are they hiding? Is it part of your directives?”
In response, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abbas Byakagaba, defended the Uganda Police Force, stating that the institution does not tolerate indiscipline.
He acknowledged the past incidents but assured the committee that action had been taken against errant officers.
“We don’t take any indiscipline lightly,” Byakagaba said. “Whatever happened in Kawempe was regrettable, but we have taken action, and improvements have been made. The law will take its course, and there will be no favoritism.”
