The Uganda Prisons Service has dismissed Lawrence Ampe, a warder attached to Ngora Prisons, from service over allegations of engaging in partisan politics and criticising the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) on social media.
In a letter dated December 17, 2025, addressed to the Officer in Charge of Uganda Prisons Ngora, the Prisons Council resolved to dismiss No. 17974 Warder Lawrence Ampe from service with effect from December 9, 2025.
The Council further ordered the Officer in Charge to ensure that Ampe hands over all government stores in his possession and indicated that a formal dismissal letter would follow.
“A formal letter to follow soon. Treat this message as urgent and important,” the directive reads.
Ampe had been under investigation for allegedly posting political videos on social media in which he criticised senior officers and leaders of the NRM.
He is believed to have operated a TikTok account under the name @COP Ampe, where he published videos accusing ruling party leaders of mismanagement and self-enrichment.
“Even my fellow officers who call me advising me to stop know that I speak the truth. When they lock themselves inside their rooms, they know this country is not moving on the right path,” Ampe said in one of the widely shared clips.
In November, Uganda Prisons Service spokesperson Frank Baine confirmed that Ampe had been summoned to appear before the Prisons Disciplinary Committee over the matter.
Ampe’s dismissal has since attracted public criticism, with National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, condemning the decision.
Kyagulanyi said Ampe was dismissed for using social media to expose alleged human rights abuses, corruption, abuse of power, oppression of lower-ranking officers, and other wrongdoing within the Uganda Prisons Service.
“Meanwhile, in complete violation of the law, other security officers, especially in the military, routinely appear in the media expressing partisan support for the Museveni dictatorship, yet they never face any disciplinary action. Instead, many get rewarded with promotions,” Kyagulanyi wrote on his X account on Friday.
“This contrast tells you all you need to know about the system of oppression that the NUP government will be purposed to dismantle once in power,” he added.