The Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) has dismissed a warder over allegations of using social media to criticise the leadership of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and engaging in partisan political activity.
Lawrence Ampe, who was stationed at Ngora Prison, was removed from service following investigations into his conduct on social media.
According to a communication from the Prisons Council dated December 17, 2025, Ampe’s dismissal took effect on December 9, 2025.
UPS authorities allege that Ampe operated a TikTok account under the handle @COP Ampe, where he posted videos criticising NRM leaders, accusing them of mismanagement and self-enrichment. In one video that circulated widely, Ampe addressed fellow officers, claiming that even those who advised him to stop posting knew he was “speaking the truth” about the country’s direction.
The dismissal follows an October 2025 general warning by the Uganda Prisons Service cautioning officers against using social media to express political views or participate in partisan campaigns. UPS spokesperson Frank Baine earlier confirmed that Ampe had been summoned before a disciplinary committee to answer charges related to indiscipline and misconduct.
The Commissioner General of Prisons, Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, has on several occasions warned that members of the security services must remain politically neutral, particularly during election periods. UPS regulations list partisan political statements and unauthorised engagement with the media as offences punishable by dismissal.
Ampe has since been instructed to hand over all government property as he awaits his formal dismissal letter.
The development comes amid heightened scrutiny of security personnel ahead of the election season.
In a recent related case, police in Masaka opened investigations into a senior commander who was allegedly filmed campaigning for a political candidate.
Meanwhile, the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) has spoken out in support of the dismissed officer.
NUP president and presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, praised Ampe for what he described as choosing integrity over personal safety.
“Dear Officer Ampe, we recognise you. We appreciate you. We stand with you and we honour you,” Kyagulanyi wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday. “It will take courage of your kind to rebuild this country.”
Kyagulanyi further stated that under a future NUP government, Uganda would have a professional and non-partisan security sector that applies the law equally to all officers.
In a separate statement, NUP criticised what it described as selective enforcement of discipline within the security services, alleging that some officers openly expressing partisan support for the ruling establishment are rarely sanctioned, while others face harsh punishment.
