The Minister of Internal Affairs, Kahinda Otafiire, has called for urgent reforms in the training of Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID) officers, urging the Office of the President to equip them with basic criminal law knowledge.
Speaking at the annual coordination meeting between the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and CID on August 5, 2024, Otafiire emphasized the need to enhance officers’ skills to effectively address increasingly sophisticated crime in Uganda.
In his remarks, Otafiire stressed that Uganda’s crime landscape has shifted, with criminals becoming more adapt at using technology and exploiting legal loopholes. As a result, CID officers, who are often the first point of contact in investigations, must be better equipped with legal and technical skills, particularly in areas such as cybercrime and maritime law.
While crime rates may appear to have decreased, Otafiire warned that the sophistication of criminal activity requires CID officers who can handle emerging threats. “The criminals may have reduced, but they have become more sophisticated,” he said, calling for a broader, interdisciplinary approach to officer training.
Otafiire also raised concerns about the welfare of police officers, noting that poor working conditions, low salaries, and inadequate housing have negatively impacted the morale and effectiveness of law enforcement.
He urged the government, particularly the Minister of Finance, Matia Kasaija, to prioritize the welfare of officers, pointing out that many are forced to commute long distances under difficult conditions.
His call for reform highlights a growing need for Uganda’s security agencies to modernize in order to stay ahead of evolving criminal tactics. With a stronger focus on training and improved working conditions, Otafiire’s proposals aim to bolster the capacity of law enforcement to ensure national security.
