Dismissed Uganda Prison Warder Joins Opposition NUP

By Our Reporter

Lawrence Ampe, a recently dismissed Uganda Prisons warder, has joined the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) days after he was sacked for allegedly posting political content on TikTok criticising the government.

Ampe appeared publicly for the first time alongside NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, during a campaign rally in Ngora District in eastern Uganda. Ngora is part of the Teso sub-region and the home area of the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Amongi.

Ampe was dismissed from the Uganda Prisons Service following investigations into a series of social media videos in which he accused senior government officials of corruption, human rights abuses, and mistreatment of junior prison staff. Authorities said his actions amounted to gross misconduct and violated regulations governing the conduct of uniformed officers.

According to Uganda Prisons spokesperson Frank Baine, standing orders prohibit public officers from participating in partisan politics.

“The standing orders don’t allow a public officer to engage in politics, which is exactly what he was doing,” Baine said.

At the rally, Ampe greeted supporters in Ateso, thanking them for welcoming him.

“People of Ngora, you know me very well. We have been working together, and in the new Uganda we shall work together even more,” Ampe said, dressed in a red long-sleeved shirt and a blue sleeveless jacket, before handing the microphone to Kyagulanyi.

Kyagulanyi praised Ampe for what he described as a courageous decision to speak out.

“They may even try to imprison you, but history has never been on the side of injustice,” Kyagulanyi said. “I want you to know that I respect you, the world respects you, and at the end of the day, the truth will prevail.”

Official Dismissal

According to an official Uganda Prisons Service communication dated December 17, 2025, the Prisons Council—under Minute Number 26.1 of 2025—resolved to dismiss Warder No. 17974, Ampe Lawrence, from service with effect from December 9, 2025.

The message, addressed to the Officer in Charge of Uganda Prisons Ngora, instructed Ampe to hand over all government property in his possession. It added that a formal dismissal letter would follow.

Ampe had been under investigation for allegedly posting political videos on social media, particularly on a TikTok account operating under the name @COP_Ampe, where he criticised senior prison officials and leaders of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

In one widely circulated video, Ampe said:

“Even my fellow officers who advise me to stop know that I am speaking the truth. When they lock themselves in their rooms, they know this country is not moving in the right direction.”

The Uganda Prisons Service had earlier warned Ampe and other officers against engaging in partisan political activity. In a statement issued on October 7, 2025, officers were cautioned against using social media to express political opinions.

Despite the warning, Ampe reportedly continued posting political content, including singing songs associated with a political party, prompting disciplinary proceedings.

Uganda Prisons spokesperson Frank Baine previously confirmed that Ampe had been summoned before the Prisons Disciplinary Committee for misconduct and indiscipline.

Commissioner General of Prisons Dr Johnson Byabashaija has repeatedly warned that acts of indiscipline—especially during the political season—would attract severe punishment, including dismissal.

Uganda Prisons Service regulations list offences such as openly campaigning for political candidates, making partisan political statements on social media, and engaging the media without authorisation as grounds for dismissal.