Uganda Intelligence Department


The Uganda Intelligence Department was an organisation mobilised at short notice by the colonial government in the Uganda Protectorate at the start of World War 1. The National Archives 'British Army medal index cards 1914–1920 records list at least 20 people affiliated with the UID; although all those listed below may not have been serving concurrently as mobilisation dates on medal cards do vary.
The officers of the UID came from a number of backgrounds, some were farmers, some army officers from British and colonial regiments, some colonial civil servants and some were businessmen. The following European officers were affiliated with the unit and their ranks and individual Medal Record numbers are also listed :
The African soldiers known to be on the Uganda Intelligence Department's establishment were:
  • Serjeant Kassim Lugwana
  • Lance Corporal Ilera Mwanga Wanga
  • Private Nyansi Lumu
  • Private Phillippo Lwangoga it was reported that Phillippo was a chief and trusted associate of Captain Philipps
  • Private Jafali Mitala
  • Private Alikisi Mumanya.
There is no record of the roles of the African soldiers posted to the department. However, the presence of a tribal chief indicates they were political influencers and collectors of intelligence.
The British Army medal index cards record that the Uganda Intelligence Department personnel were active from 1914 to as late as 1921. The same index cards and medal auction descriptions point to UID personnel being awarded the 1914–15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.