In a nation where trust in law enforcement has often wavered, Major Tom Magambo, Director of Uganda’s Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) since January 2022, is rewriting the narrative.
His bold reforms, rooted in professionalism and foresight, are turning the CID into a formidable institution ready to safeguard Uganda’s future, particularly as the 2026 general election approaches.
The latest evidence of his vision came this week with the launch of a one-month refresher training for all district and regional CID officers at the Police Field Force Training Base in Kikandwa, Wakiso District.
This initiative is not merely a preparatory step; it is a powerful declaration that the CID, under Magambo’s leadership, is poised to uphold justice with unmatched competence and integrity.
When Magambo assumed his role, the CID was a shadow of its potential—bogged down by allegations of corruption, stalled investigations, and a disconnect from the public it served.
Critics questioned his appointment, citing his military background and meteoric rise from Private to Major as evidence of inexperience.
Yet, Magambo has proven them wrong with a relentless drive to reform. His strategy is multifaceted, blending rigorous training, structural overhauls, and practical support for officers to create a directorate that is both effective and trustworthy.
The Kikandwa training is a cornerstone of this transformation. Designed to prepare officers for the unique challenges of the 2026 election, the program focuses on combating electoral crimes such as voter fraud, intimidation, and violence—issues that have historically destabilized Uganda’s democratic process.
By equipping every district and regional CID officer with specialized skills, Magambo is ensuring that the directorate can respond swiftly and decisively to threats against the electoral process.
This initiative builds on his earlier training efforts, which have seen over 450 officers, from investigators to deputy directors, retrained since 2022 to align with global investigative standards.
These programs emphasize modern techniques, from digital forensics to community engagement, reflecting Magambo’s understanding that policing must evolve to meet contemporary challenges.
Magambo’s reforms extend far beyond the classroom. In 2022, he orchestrated a sweeping reshuffle, transferring over 400 detectives between Kampala and upcountry stations.
This disrupted cozy networks of corruption that had flourished under officers who overstayed in lucrative urban posts.
The impact was profound: investigations became more thorough, arrests more evidence-based, and the CID shed its reputation for predictability.
As Magambo bluntly put it, “When we call you, your file is ready, and you might not leave this place.”
This no-nonsense approach has resonated, with the Director of Public Prosecutions, Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, lauding the CID’s improved casework during a September 2024 joint press conference.
The strengthened CID-DPP partnership, fostered by Magambo’s emphasis on constitutional compliance, ensures that investigations translate into successful prosecutions, delivering justice to Ugandans.
Recognizing that systemic change requires addressing officers’ practical needs, Magambo has introduced measures to boost morale and reduce corruption.
The reinstatement of the plainclothes allowance has enabled detectives to conduct fieldwork without personal financial strain, while free meals at CID headquarters have alleviated daily burdens.
These seemingly minor changes have had a seismic effect, eliminating the need for officers to solicit “facilitation fees” from complainants or suspects—a practice that once eroded public trust.
By removing these financial pressures, Magambo has cultivated a culture of professionalism, where officers are judged by their work, not their ability to extort.
The results are undeniable. AIGP Asan Kasingye, a respected voice in Uganda’s police force, has described the CID’s turnaround as a “model of efficiency,” a far cry from its days as the “sick man of the police.”
Public sentiment is also shifting, with Ugandans on platforms like X praising Magambo’s leadership, particularly for initiatives like the Kibuli data center, which promises to modernize case management.
His contract extension in February 2025 reflects the confidence of Uganda’s leadership in his ability to sustain this momentum.
Yet, Magambo’s journey has not been without obstacles. His outsider status initially sparked resistance from police veterans, and political tensions, such as recent threats from General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, underscore the delicate balance he must navigate.
Nevertheless, Magambo’s focus remains unwavering. His collaboration with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and his insistence on operating within legal frameworks demonstrate a commitment to impartiality, crucial in a politically charged climate.
By positioning the CID as a neutral arbiter, he is restoring faith in an institution once seen as a tool of influence.
As Uganda looks to 2026, the stakes could not be higher. Elections in Uganda are often fraught with tension, and the CID’s role in maintaining order and justice will be pivotal.
The Kikandwa training is a proactive step, ensuring that officers are not only reactive but anticipatory, ready to tackle electoral malfeasance before it escalates.
This foresight, combined with Magambo’s broader reforms, positions the CID as a guardian of Uganda’s democratic aspirations.
Tom Magambo is not just reforming the CID; he is redefining what it means to serve and protect in Uganda.
His leadership is a masterclass in turning vision into reality, proving that even the most beleaguered institutions can rise again.
The CID, once a symbol of dysfunction, is now a beacon of hope—a testament to what is possible when competence meets courage.
As the 2026 election draws near, Ugandans can take heart that, under Magambo’s stewardship, the CID is ready to defend the rule of law and secure a brighter future.