NUP’s Nalukoola Sues Ugandan Government Over Alleged Torture by JATT Operatives.

Nup candidate Kawempe North bi – election Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola. Courtesy image.

Kampala, Uganda –

Elias Nalukoola Luyimbazi, the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate for the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election, has filed a lawsuit against the Ugandan government, alleging he was tortured by operatives of the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT). The legal action, submitted to the High Court’s Civil Division, accuses security forces of illegal detention and excessive force following his nomination on February 26, 2025.

Nalukoola, alongside his lawyer George Musisi, addressed journalists outside the High Court, where he demanded accountability for what he termed as a violation of his fundamental rights. He is seeking compensation and a judicial declaration condemning the security operatives’ actions.

The alleged incident occurred shortly after Nalukoola successfully registered as the NUP flagbearer for the by-election. During the process, he was accompanied by NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya. Reports indicate that a scuffle broke out involving JATT operatives, leading to the arrest of Nalukoola and injuries to a journalist from Top Television. Nalukoola was later detained at Kawempe Police Station.

The deployment of JATT, a unit established under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2002, has sparked controversy, with critics questioning why a counterterrorism force was involved in an electoral process. The opposition and human rights groups argue that its presence has led to unlawful arrests and intimidation of political opponents.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has condemned the use of excessive force during the electoral process, calling security officers involved in such actions “enemies of the state.” NUP officials have also raised concerns about election integrity, particularly questioning the sudden increase of 35,000 voters in the Kawempe North constituency.

Nalukoola, a well-known lawyer and human rights advocate, has a history of defending political detainees and challenging government policies. Before joining NUP, he served as the Legal Advisor for the Democratic Party (DP) but resigned in 2024 over ethical disagreements regarding DP’s cooperation agreement with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

The Kawempe North by-election, scheduled for March 13, 2025, has already been marred by allegations of voter register manipulation and selective law enforcement. Nalukoola’s lawsuit highlights growing concerns over political repression and the conduct of security forces in Uganda’s electoral process. As the election nears, opposition parties and human rights groups continue to call for fairness and transparency.

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