Uganda's CID Director Magambo Promoted to Acting Lt Col

Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, has promoted AIGP Maj Tom Magambo, Director of the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), to the rank of Acting Lieutenant Colonel. This announcement was made by Col Chris Magezi, Acting Director of Defence Public Information at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, UPDF. Magambo has been serving as CID Director since his appointment by President Yoweri Museveni on January 25, 2022.

Magambo joined the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) in 2002 and served for 20 years, rising to Chief Intelligence Officer and Director of Analysis. During his tenure at ISO, he was involved in various peace and security initiatives, including EAC, IGAD, ICGLR, and AU Peace and Security. He also served in different capacities, such as Acting DISO in Rukungiri, liaison officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Personal Assistant to then Director General Brig. Ronnie Balya.

Notably, Magambo's appointment as CID Director was unique in Police history, as he had never served as a police officer before. He was a civilian intelligence operative from ISO, holding a PhD and having risen to the top civilian intelligence rank of Chief Intelligence Officer. President Museveni promoted him from Private to Major, jumping nine ranks at once, and handed him the sensitive investigative office in the Police Force.

Since his appointment, Magambo has been credited with modernizing CID operations, tackling organized crime, and improving investigative efficiency. He introduced refresher training for CID personnel, mass transfers to break overstays in stations, revived plain-clothes allowance for detectives, and pushed for digitisation of crime data. A 24-hour call centre and a Crime Data Analysis Centre at Kibuli are currently under construction.

In February 2025, President Museveni renewed Magambo's contract as Director CID for another two years. This renewal was a testament to his performance and the impact of his initiatives on the CID. The UPDF has congratulated Lt Col Magambo on his promotion and wished him continued success in his duties.

Magambo's rise through the ranks has been remarkable, especially considering his non-traditional background in policing. His promotion to Acting Lieutenant Colonel is seen as a recognition of his contributions to the CID and the broader security sector. His leadership has brought significant changes to the CID, focusing on modernization and efficiency.

The promotion of AIGP Maj Tom Magambo to Acting Lieutenant Colonel reflects the ongoing efforts to strengthen and modernize Uganda's security institutions. With his extensive experience in intelligence and his achievements as CID Director, Magambo is expected to continue playing a crucial role in shaping the country's security landscape. The UPDF and other stakeholders will be watching his progress in his new role.

Key points

• Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba promotes AIGP Maj Tom Magambo to Acting Lieutenant Colonel.
• Magambo's promotion is a recognition of his contributions to modernizing CID operations.
• The UPDF congratulates Lt Col Magambo on his promotion and wishes him continued success.