Leadership in law enforcement isn’t just about titles—it’s about impact. And for Uganda’s Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), impact has a name: AIGP Tom Magambo.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially renewed Magambo’s contract as CID Director for another two years, reinforcing his trust in the officer’s leadership. But what does this mean for Uganda’s security landscape? Let’s break it down.
A Vote of Confidence in Leadership
AIGP Magambo, who first took over the CID in 2022, has been at the forefront of reforming Uganda’s criminal investigations.
Upon hearing of his contract renewal, he expressed deep gratitude to President Museveni, Minister of Internal Affairs Kahinda Otafiire, and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abas Byakagaba.
“I am deeply honoured and humbled by your decision to renew my contract as Director CID. My colleagues and I appreciate your trust and confidence in our ability to contribute to strategic security and the prosperity of our people,” Magambo stated.
Related: List of Uganda’s Presidents Since 1962
Strengthening the CID’s Role in Law Enforcement
The CID has lauded Magambo’s continued leadership, emphasizing its importance in sustaining the department’s momentum.
“We look forward to your continued visionary and exemplary leadership,” the CID stated in an official message.
A ringing endorsement also came from AIGP (Rtd) Asan Kasingye, a former Police Political Commissar, who acknowledged Magambo’s efforts in transforming the CID from a struggling unit into a high-performing investigative body.
“Your leadership has transformed the directorate from the ‘sick man of the police’ to a beacon of hope that has demonstrated efficiency & effectiveness in service delivery, especially through collaboration with relevant agencies like the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP),” Kasingye remarked.
Key Security Challenges on the Radar
With two more years at the helm, Magambo faces a significant mandate: tackling persistent crime.
Kasingye specifically pointed to the need for urgent investigations into rampant theft cases affecting local communities, particularly under the Parish Development Model (PDM).
“In Kashari, for example, cows are being slaughtered on farms and meat carried away straight to restaurants and butcheries, while in many areas, coffee is harvested on the farm or trees cut and stolen. Once we address this, poverty will be fought against quickly,” he added.
What’s Next for Criminal Investigations in Uganda?
Magambo’s renewal signals continuity—but also an expectation of progress. As Uganda grapples with evolving security threats, his role in modernizing crime investigations and strengthening partnerships with the ODPP and other agencies will be critical.
With a focus on efficiency, community engagement, and a results-driven approach, the next two years will define Magambo’s legacy in Ugandan law enforcement.
The CID is no longer an institution struggling to keep up—it’s a force to reckon with.
