By Robert Segawa
The State Minister of Internal Affairs, Gen. David Muhoozi, has attributed the growing case backlog in Ugandan courts to poor and incomplete investigations by law enforcement officers calling it one of the biggest challenges facing the criminal justice system.
Speaking at the Kikandwa Police Skilling Centre during the pass-out ceremony of over 400 Criminal Investigations Department (CID) officers, Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO), Professional Standards Unit (PSU) personnel, and canine officers, Gen. Muhoozi emphasized the need for better investigative practices. The officers had just completed a one-month intensive training.
“One of the biggest challenges in the administration of justice is the case backlog. Most cases, even very good ones, are stillborn because of poor investigations,” Muhoozi said. “I’m glad that the leadership of the police has seen it fit to converge officers from CID, forensics, canine, and PSU to reflect and understand how all these elements fit into more effective investigations.”
He further urged officers to embrace innovation and adopt new techniques in criminal investigations, warning that modern-day criminals are increasingly using advanced technology and speed in committing crimes.
The Inspector General of Police, Abbas Byakagaba, also noted that the course was timely, especially as the country heads into a politically sensitive period.
“This course fits very well. We are sure it has improved our officers’ capacity in managing the forthcoming political exercises,” Byakagaba said, revealing that 10,000 probation police constables will soon report to training schools in Kabalye, Olilim, and Ikafe.
Meanwhile, AIGP Tom Magambo, the CID Director, emphasized the importance of mindset change and cohesion among investigators.
“One of the biggest gaps has been cohesion. Some of them had the same intake but had not met for many years. Bringing them together to run, eat, and train together has been a huge success,” he noted.
Magambo also stressed the need for cross-agency collaboration, especially with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the judiciary.
“None of us will work alone. We want to extend this integration to the DPP’s office and other stakeholders in the criminal justice chain,” he added.
While acknowledging challenges such as poor working conditions, Magambo expressed optimism about ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the CID and enhancing service delivery.
The event was attended by IGP Abbas Byakagaba, Minister Muhoozi, AIGP Tom Magambo, and AIGP Steven Tanui, the Director of Fire and Rescue Services.
