The State Minister for Internal Affairs, Gen David Muhoozi, has called on Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) officers to enhance and accelerate their investigative capabilities to keep pace with Uganda’s rising crime rates.
Speaking during the pass-out ceremony of over 300 officers at the Police ICT School in Kikandwa, Wakiso District, Gen Muhoozi emphasized the urgent need for improved investigative proficiency. The graduating officers, drawn from CID, Forensics, Canine, and the Professional Standards Unit (PSU), underwent one month of intensive training in various specialized areas.
Gen Muhoozi pointed out that the growing complexity of crimes, particularly cybercrime, demands faster and more thorough investigations. “Look at the Bank of Uganda incident—60 billion shillings stolen in just 60 seconds. To catch such criminals, you must match their speed with swift, smart investigations,” he said. He stressed that achieving such speed requires a well-trained and comprehensive investigative mindset.
He also underscored the importance of continuous training, noting that many major cases collapse due to poor investigative skills resulting from inadequate training. Gen Muhoozi called for a stronger focus on forensic science, cybercrime investigations, and criminal justice education. “There is a serious gap in our criminal justice system that needs to be addressed through better training. With justice comes peace and stability,” he added.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abbas Byakagaba echoed Gen Muhoozi’s message, emphasizing CID’s crucial role in the fight against crime. He highlighted the importance of properly managing crime scenes and said that regular training equips officers with ideological clarity and professional competence. “We are preparing for peaceful elections, and by the critical moment, we will have the necessary personnel and logistics in place,” IGP Byakagaba assured. He also revealed plans to recruit 10,000 new constables to strengthen the police force ahead of the elections.
Director of CID, Tom Magambo, noted a significant shift in mindset among CID officers, which he believes is improving the quality of investigations. “We’ve placed the right people in the right positions, and that’s making a real difference,” he said. Magambo acknowledged past issues with teamwork, stating that a lack of familiarity among units had hindered investigations. “Now that officers from various departments have trained together and built rapport, we expect better collaboration and improved investigative outcomes.”
He also echoed the IGP’s commitment to ensuring peaceful elections, regardless of political affiliation. “Our officers now possess the skills necessary to professionally handle election-related matters across the political spectrum,” he said. Magambo encouraged officers to remain dedicated and patient as they await promotions, reminding them that continued hard work and discipline will yield long-term rewards.
