By KT Reporter
The Uganda Prisons Service has dismissed Ngora Prison warder Lawrence Ampe from service following allegations of engaging in partisan political activity and criticising leaders of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) on social media.
According to an official Uganda Prisons message dated December 17, 2025, the Prisons Council, under Minute Number 26.1 of 2025, resolved to dismiss No. 17974 Warder Ampe Lawrence from the service with effect from December 9, 2025.
The message, addressed to the Officer in Charge, Uganda Prisons Ngora, directs that Ampe hands over all government stores in his possession. It further indicates that a formal dismissal letter will follow.
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.
In one of the widely shared clips, Ampe said: “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.”
The Uganda Prisons Service had earlier warned Ampe and other officers against engaging in partisan political activity. A statement issued on October 7, 2025, cautioned officers against using social media to express political opinions.
Despite the warning, Ampe reportedly continued uploading political content, including singing songs associated with a political party, prompting disciplinary proceedings.
Uganda Prisons spokesperson Frank Baine had earlier confirmed that Ampe had been summoned before the prisons disciplinary committee over misconduct and indiscipline.
Commissioner General of Prisons Dr Johnson Byabashaija has previously warned that acts of indiscipline—especially during the political season—would attract firm action, including dismissal.
The Uganda Prisons Service lists offences such as openly campaigning for political candidates, making partisan statements on social media, and engaging the media without authorisation as grounds for dismissal.
Ampe’s dismissal comes amid increased scrutiny of security officers’ conduct during the political season. Police recently opened investigations into SSP Annabella Nyiramahoro, the Deputy Regional Police Commander for Masaka, after she was filmed campaigning for some candidate.
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