By Peter Mabira
KAMPALA, November 12, 2026 – Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has promoted the Director of the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), AIGP Tom Rwabudongo Magambo, to the rank of Acting Lieutenant Colonel in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
The promotion was announced on Thursday by Colonel Chris Magezi, Acting Director of Defence Public Information, in a statement congratulating Magambo on his elevation.
“The UPDF fraternity congratulates Lieutenant Colonel Magambo for the well-deserved promotion and wishes him continued success in his duties,” the statement read.
Magambo, who also serves as Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP), continues to head the Police Criminal Investigations Directorate, a key institution responsible for investigating serious crimes, gathering evidence and supporting criminal prosecutions.
Born in 1978 in Masindi District, he attended Masindi Public School for his primary education before joining Duhaga Secondary School for his O’ and A’ level education.
He later joined Makerere University and subsequently entered the intelligence service in 2002, where he served in counterintelligence and policy analysis.
During his nearly two decades in the Internal Security Organisation (ISO), Magambo rose through the ranks to become Director of Analysis and head of counterintelligence.
In 2018, following the establishment of the Eastern African Fusion and Liaison Unit (EA-FLU) in Entebbe, he was seconded by ISO to coordinate the regional intelligence-sharing centre, which brings together ten countries.
His academic and professional background includes qualifications in development, business administration, peace and conflict resolution, alongside specialised international intelligence training.
President Yoweri Museveni appointed Magambo Director of CID on January 25, 2022, replacing Grace Akullo, who had led the directorate for approximately a decade.
Since assuming the position, his leadership has emphasised capacity building, professionalisation of investigators and strengthening the directorate’s investigative infrastructure.
Among the areas of focus have been the development of the Crime Data Analysis Centre and greater integration of scientific evidence, including forensic investigations and DNA technology, into criminal investigations.
In October 2022, President Museveni also recognised his contribution towards improving the professional capacity of CID officers through refresher training programmes.
This elevation to Acting Lieutenant Colonel marks another milestone in his career, as he continues to serve at the helm of the country’s criminal investigations department.
