Uganda Intelligence Department facts for kids

The Uganda Intelligence Department (UID) was a special group formed quickly by the British government in the Uganda Protectorate when World War 1 started. This department played an important role in gathering information during the war. Records show that at least 20 people were part of the UID, though not everyone served at the exact same time.

What Was the Uganda Intelligence Department?

The Uganda Intelligence Department was set up to collect important information during World War I. This was a time when many countries were fighting each other. The British government, which ruled Uganda at the time, needed to know what was happening to protect its interests.

Who Joined the Department?

The people who joined the UID came from many different backgrounds. Some were farmers, while others were army officers from British or colonial armies. There were also government workers and business people. Both European and African individuals were part of this department.

European Officers

Many European officers were part of the UID. They had different ranks, like Lieutenant and Captain. For example, Captain Harold Chester Croker De La Poer and Lieutenant C E B Dashwood were officers. One officer, Lieutenant Leopold Henry David McCombie, sadly died in July 1915 near Fort Portal in Western Uganda. Another important officer was Captain James Erasmus Tracey Philipps, whose personal papers have a lot of information about the department.

African Soldiers

African soldiers also served in the Uganda Intelligence Department. They included Serjeant Kassim Lugwana, Lance Corporal Ilera Mwanga Wanga, and Private Nyansi Lumu. Private Phillippo Lwangoga was known to be a chief and a trusted helper of Captain Philipps. The exact jobs of the African soldiers are not fully known from records. However, because a tribal chief was involved, it suggests they helped gather information and had influence in their communities.

What Was Their Mission?

The main job of the Uganda Intelligence Department was to collect intelligence. This means they gathered secret information about what was happening, especially concerning the war. This information would have been very useful for the British forces in the region.

How Long Did They Operate?

The Uganda Intelligence Department was active for several years. Records show they worked from 1914 until as late as 1921. People who served in the UID received special medals for their service. These included the 1914–15 Star, the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal. These medals recognized their efforts during the war.