Examining the effectiveness of the anti-terrorism act (2002) in combating terrorism in Uganda, a case study of Kampala metropolitan area (KMP)

Abstract

The effectiveness of the Anti-Terrorism Act (2002) in combating terrorism in Uganda has been a critical concern amid persistent attacks. As of 2023, Uganda Police reported a rise in terrorism cases from 10 in 2019 to 26, characterized by bombings of public spaces and transit systems (Police Annual Crime Report, 2023). Despite Uganda’s alignment with international counter-terrorism conventions and domestication of the Anti-Terrorism Act (amended in 2015, 2016, and 2017), groups like the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) continue to exploit socio-economic vulnerabilities and ideological extremism. This study examined the Act’s efficacy in suppressing terrorism, analyzing its key provisions, implementation challenges, and relationship with Uganda’s evolving terrorism landscape. Guided by Orthodox Terrorism Theory (Franks, 2006), a mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining quantitative surveys (n=45 police/CID staff) and qualitative key informant interviews (n=23 officials from security, judiciary, and prosecution units). Descriptive analysis via SPSS 26 and thematic coding revealed that punitive measures under the Anti-Terrorism Act (2002) —such as the death penalty (supported by 72.1% of respondents) and fines for terrorism financing (65.5% agreement) deterred overt activities. However, challenges included definitional overlaps with other crimes (64.6% agreement), weak safeguards for extradition, and delays in proscribing new terrorist groups (63.2% agreement). Critically, 69.1% of respondents identified unaddressed socio-economic inequalities as key drivers of recruitment, limiting the Act’s reach. Findings confirm the Act’s partial effectiveness in enforcement but highlight significant gaps: accountability concerns over police immunity (57.3% agreement), inadequate victim protections, and insufficient attention to root causes like poverty and ideological radicalization. The study recommends a multi-faceted strategy beyond legal measures, including streamlined terrorist designation processes, community-based deradicalization programs, socio-economic reforms in marginalized regions, and enhanced inter-agency coordination to strengthen Uganda’s counter-terrorism framework.