Kampala, Uganda — The Uganda Police Force’s Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), under AIGP Tom Magambo Rwabudongo, has unveiled new infrastructure at its headquarters, including a state-of-the-art Data Crime Centre designed to enhance investigative capacity and modernize the directorate’s operations.
The new facilities are ranked among the top three in Africa.
AIGP Rwabudongo described the developments as a significant step toward improving professionalism, investigative efficiency, and the overall capability of the CID in handling complex criminal cases.
The announcement drew mixed reactions on social media. On X (formerly Twitter), user Anthony Natif criticized the focus on infrastructure, highlighting ongoing challenges within the Ugandan criminal justice system, including unsolved cases, forensic shortcomings, and the high number of inmates on remand.
In Uganda, a head of the investigative arm of @PoliceUg will celebrate new, flashy infrastructure while presiding over a unit with increasing numbers of unsolved cases, shambolic forensic investigations departments that cook evidence, and a criminal justice system that has 50% of… https://t.co/KdLENNdtB5
— Anthony Natif (@TonyNatif) March 23, 2026
“In Uganda, the head of the investigative arm of @PoliceUg will celebrate new, flashy infrastructure while presiding over a unit with increasing numbers of unsolved cases, shambolic forensic investigations, and a criminal justice system where 50% of inmates are on remand,” Natif wrote. “You were hired to solve crime in the country, and we are currently under threat from criminal gangs. Do better, Sir.”
Despite the criticism, AIGP Magambo responded, emphasizing the benefits of the new facility:
“Comrade Natif, my colleagues and I are doing our best to achieve the desired end state in handling crime. This new facility will be a modern Data Crime Centre with tools to enhance investigative capacity,” he said.
Comrade Natif. My colleagues and I, are doing their best to have that desired end state in handling crime. That new facility is going to be a modern Data Crime Centre with tools to enhance the capacity to do investigations. https://t.co/NYZZOPHa0a
— AIGP Tom Magambo Rwabudongo (@Tom_Magambo) March 23, 2026
The new CID infrastructure aims to modernize Uganda’s investigative processes, strengthen forensic capabilities, and improve the directorate’s ability to combat organized crime, cybercrime, and other complex criminal activities.
Observers note that while the physical upgrade has been welcomed by some, the effectiveness of the CID will ultimately be measured by its ability to solve crimes and protect citizens, rather than the appearance of new buildings.
