Director CID AIGP Tom Magambo Calls for Stronger Societal Values and Police Reforms to Tackle Crime

In a recent interview, the Director of the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), AIGP Tom Magambo, outlined a clear vision for tackling the rising crime rates in Uganda. Speaking on NBS Live at 9, Magambo emphasized that while effective law enforcement is crucial, addressing crime in the long term requires shaping the moral foundation of future generations.

Magambo stressed the importance of instilling strong values in children as a cornerstone of preventing crime. “The best way to build a more decent society is based on the value system that children hold. This is how we can ground our society and reduce the many crimes committed,” he stated. His words highlight the idea that a society’s ethical foundation plays a significant role in reducing criminal activity in the future.

However, Magambo also acknowledged that crime is evolving quickly, with criminals finding new ways to exploit weaknesses in the system. “Crime is evolving rapidly, requiring law enforcement agencies to continuously adapt their capabilities,” he said. As crime methods change, Magambo believes that the police force must continually update their skills and invest in new technologies to keep up with these challenges.

One area that has raised increasing concern is land-related crimes. Magambo pointed out that these types of crimes have been on the rise, particularly around land disputes. He urged policymakers to put in place stronger safeguards to protect land ownership rights. “Our policymakers and systems will need to deliberately establish a relevant institutional framework to guard against the growing criminality in land systems,” Magambo explained. This highlights the urgent need for better systems to prevent the misuse of land for criminal purposes.

Despite the challenges, Magambo is proud of the progress the CID has made in recent years. Under his leadership, the CID has secured around 89,000 convictions over the last four years. “Professionally, we have had about 89,000 convictions in the four years I have been here. I have tried to maintain the idea that human resources are the most important asset of an organization,” he said. This achievement highlights the importance of having a well-trained, professional workforce in the fight against crime.

Yet, Magambo admitted that there is still much to be done to improve the infrastructure of police stations across the country. “Clearly, we need to work on the infrastructure of our police stations countrywide. Sometimes, I move around and make stopovers and realize that a lot of work still needs to be done,” he said, noting that improving working conditions for officers is essential to their effectiveness.

Magambo also set an ambitious target for crime reduction, noting that the current crime rate is still too high. “I want to see the crime rate drop to about 50,000 nationwide or even lower,” he said, expressing his determination to push for even greater improvements.

In his closing remarks, Magambo sent a strong warning to those who might consider breaking the law: “If you really want to test our capacity, be on the wrong side of the law and give us a chance to see if we can catch you.” His statement reinforced the police’s commitment to enforcing the law and fighting crime with full force.

Magambo’s remarks have sparked ongoing conversations about the future of policing in Uganda, with increased calls for reforms, modernization, and stronger community values. His leadership and vision are seen as vital in ensuring a safer and more just Uganda for all.