By Spy Uganda
The Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) is on the brink of significant transformation as its Director, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Tom Magambo, signals a sweeping nationwide reshuffle aimed at revitalising the institution. More than a routine transfer, Magambo’s move is being framed as a strategic overhaul to realign the CID’s values with performance, accountability, and integrity.
Magambo says that preparations are underway for the deployment of fresh personnel across regions—an initiative he insists is long overdue.
“This reshuffle is not about punishing officers. It’s about reenergizing the system. Officers get too comfortable, and that can breed complacency or even corruption. We want to inject new life, promote discipline, and ensure officers stay focused on delivering justice,” Magambo said.
Reform Over Routine
Magambo’s leadership since taking over the CID has been marked by bold, sometimes controversial, decisions aimed at reorienting the directorate towards professionalism and public trust. This latest move, however, appears to cut deeper, not just into logistics, but into the culture of the CID itself.
While previous transfers in the force have often been viewed as administrative necessities, this planned reshuffle carries a more ideological weight. Sources close to Magambo suggest the restructuring will target entrenched networks, break longstanding local allegiances, and limit the ability of officers to entrench themselves in one region for too long—a key tactic in fighting internal corruption.
Amidst the changes, there are a few pockets who feel uncomfortable and feel this should be happening at this material time. For such characters, Magambo warned them not to dare interfere with his vision of transformation lest they face his wrath.
Unrest Behind The Scenes
Yet, behind closed doors, unease brews. Officers across the country—especially those who have spent years in urban or strategic postings—are anxiously awaiting news of their fate. For many, the reshuffle threatens more than their job title; it disrupts entire lives.
“I have built a life here. My children are in school, I’ve bought land, and now I may be uprooted,” one detective shared anonymously. “It’s hard to focus on work when you’re worried about being sent to a remote post with no resources.”
Others express concern about the potential disruption to sensitive investigations currently underway. “We’re already managing a heavy caseload. Replacing experienced officers in the middle of critical inquiries could delay justice,” said another operative.
A Divided Reception
Despite the apprehension, not all officers are resistant to the change. Some view the shake-up as a necessary step toward revitalizing a system that has, in some cases, grown stagnant.
“There are colleagues who have been in the same station for over a decade. That’s not healthy for law enforcement. A transfer isn’t just relocation—it’s a professional reset,” said one senior officer from the Central region.
National Implications
The reshuffle, expected to impact officers from Kampala to Karamoja, will test not just the logistical capabilities of the Uganda Police Force but also its institutional resilience. It presents an opportunity to decentralize expertise, close internal power loops, and enforce a more equitable distribution of manpower.
However, its success hinges on careful implementation. If perceived as punitive or politically motivated, the reshuffle could erode morale. If executed strategically, it could be the cornerstone of a new, more credible CID.
As the internal memo looms, the CID stands at crossroads. Will this be the beginning of a new era of professionalism and integrity—or just another bureaucratic shuffle with unintended consequences?
For now, officers watch, wait, and whisper. The corridors of CID are tense—but also brimming with the quiet anticipation of change.
