A prison warder from Ngora Prisons is facing disciplinary action for posting videos on social media criticizing his superiors and expressing partisan political views, the Uganda Prisons Service has confirmed. Lawrence Ampe, who runs the TikTok account @COP Ampe, reportedly used the platform to attack leaders of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) for alleged mismanagement and self-enrichment, while accusing fellow officers and superiors of remaining silent out of fear of losing their jobs.
“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 his posts, Ampe claimed that many officers are aware of injustices in the country but choose to remain quiet, while their leaders “pretend to know more, yet are being used.”
Despite several warnings, including a statement from the Uganda Prisons Service on October 7, 2025, Ampe continued sharing videos and political messages online. Frank Baine, spokesperson for the Prisons Service, said the officer has been summoned to appear before the Prisons Disciplinary Committee to face charges of misconduct and indiscipline.
“He’s been releasing videos on social media and sometimes singing songs of certain political parties. His station office got evidence, made its verdict, and sent it to the head office. He’s been summoned to appear before the disciplinary committee,” Baine said. Baine added that the disciplinary hearing could result in Ampe’s dismissal, given the serious nature of the allegations.
“All prison officers have been warned to maintain rigorous discipline and execute their duties professionally. Anybody exhibiting acts of indiscipline will face consequences,” said Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, the Commissioner General of Prisons. Acts of indiscipline that could lead to dismissal include campaigning for a candidate, misusing social media to make political statements or announce support for candidates, and engaging in unprofessional conduct such as attacking people at rallies or speaking to the media.
Ampe is not the only security officer under scrutiny. Police recently launched investigations into Senior Superintendent Annabella Nyiramahoro, Masaka’s Deputy Regional Police Commander, after she was seen campaigning for Minister Haruna Kasolo at a public event, sparking concerns about partisan activity among uniformed personnel. The Prisons Service has emphasized that all officers must uphold professionalism and discipline, particularly during the political season, to maintain public trust and the integrity of the service.
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