Important:
Analysts contend that based on what has so far been achieved by CID under the leadership of Tom Magambo, the investigative arm of police can attain more if the CID budget is increased. There is also need to avail sufficient transport means for CID officers as well as increasing personnel.
The Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) of the Uganda Police Force, has been ranked as the third best investigative agency in Africa.
CID was recognised in a survey conducted by Kenya Trak, a research and survey firm.
The survey evaluated various agencies based on their effectiveness in tackling significant criminal cases, their operational capabilities, and their adoption of innovative investigative methods.
The survey highlighted a total of ten countries, showcasing the diverse approaches to criminal investigation across Africa. It emphasized the importance of collaboration between agencies, sharing best practices, and leveraging technology to enhance investigative outcomes.
“Uganda’s CID is on the frontline of investigating violent crimes and insurgencies. This agency has been particularly successful in fighting organized crime and terrorism, thanks to its efficient use of intelligence networks and modern technology,” reads the read in part.
“Despite working under tough conditions, Uganda’s CID continues to evolve, using digital tools to monitor and solve cases linked to urban gangs and political unrest,” it adds.
The recognition affirms fruits of the deliberate measures by CID’s current boss AIGP Tom Magambo, to enhance capabilities of the Kibuli headquartered agency, which involve retraining and reskilling detectives.
In the last two years, over 450 officers including investigators have undergone refresher training in a bid to realign them with the new dynamics of society.
Also, as a way of addressing allegations that many many officers had become complacent and complicit with criminals, soon after his appointment, Magambo transferred over 400 detectives from Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) area to upcountry stations and vice versa.
This, according to analysts, has greatly improved the performance of the investigating arm of police. In fact, complaints related to delay of investigations and Officers asking for money to secure release on bond, have also drastically reduced.
Magambo is also credited for establishing a state of the art gate at the CID Headquarters, fencing off CID land, and constructing a state of the art-cafeteria for officers.
Analysts contend that based on what has so far been achieved by CID under the leadership of Tom Magambo, the investigative arm of police can attain more if the CID budget is increased. There is also need to avail sufficient transport means for CID officers as well as increasing personnel.
Meanwhile, the survey ranked Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Ghana’s Criminal Investigation Department, first and second, respectively.
Uganda’s CID is followed by Ethiopia’s National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Morocco’s General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST), and Egypt’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which took fourth, fifth, and sixth places respectively.
Sudan’s National Intelligence and Security Services ranked seventh, followed by Zimbabwe’s CID, Botswana’s Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS), and South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks).
The report notes, “In 2024, Africa’s criminal investigative agencies are not just fighting crime—they’re adapting to new challenges.”
“From tackling cybercrime to neutralizing terrorist threats, these agencies have become increasingly sophisticated, utilizing technology and global partnerships to stay ahead. While each agency has its unique strengths, they all share a common mission: to protect their countries and ensure justice is served,” the report reads in part.
The survey aims to identify and analyze the leading criminal investigative agencies in Africa based on their effectiveness in combating crime and their overall impact on national and regional security.