Administrative support and performance of the criminal investigations directorate in Uganda police force, a case of cid headquarters at Kibuli- Kampala

Abstract

The study examined the contribution of administrative support to the performance of the Criminal Investigations Directorate in Uganda Police Force: a case of CID Headquarters at Kibuli. The objectives of the study were to examine the criminal investigation aspects that require administrative support at Kibuli CID headquarters; to establish the contribution of administrative support to the performance of the CID operations at Kibuli CID headquarters; and to examine how performance evaluation and feedback has contributed to the performance of the CID at Kibuli CID headquarters. The study employed a both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, with the questionnaire survey and the interviews producing both numerical data that was analyzed statistically and deeper experiences, perceptions, and motivations of the study. Data was collected from 133 respondents that included CID officers as well as clerical staff within the CID at CID headquarters at Kibuli. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists and was presented in tables, means, and Standard deviations. Descriptive results indicate that the principal investigative areas requiring strengthened administrative support are case-file management, coordination of investigative teams, inter-agency collaboration, and resource allocation. Administrative functions were found to contribute to CID performance mainly by streamlining timely access to investigative tools), improving documentation practices and the timeliness/accuracy of criminal-record updates, and by institutionalizing and adhering to investigation SOPs. Evaluation and feedback mechanisms, especially routine case reviews and digital feedback platforms, were associated qualitatively with continuous improvement in resource utilization, accountability, and timelier reporting of investigative progress. The study recommends integrating administrative liaisons into investigation teams, modernizing database and documentation systems, tailoring administrative training to operational realities, institutionalizing real-time feedback loops