A prison officer from Ngora district is facing possible dismissal after authorities accused him of posting political videos online in which he criticised top leaders and attacked the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The officer, identified as Lawrence Ampe, is believed to operate a TikTok account under the name COP Ampe. According to officials, he uploaded several videos accusing senior NRM leaders of selfishness, poor leadership and ignoring the challenges ordinary Ugandans face. In the same videos, he reportedly faulted his fellow officers for keeping quiet out of fear.
In one of the clips that quickly spread across social media, Ampe is heard saying that many security officers privately admit that the country is headed in the wrong direction but avoid speaking up in public. He accuses senior officers of pretending to know what is happening while being misled by those above them.
The Uganda Prisons Service had previously warned him and all other officers to avoid posting political content or engaging in partisan behaviour. A general caution issued on October 7, 2025, reminded officers that they must remain neutral at all times.
Despite this warning, officials say Ampe continued to post political opinions online and even sang songs linked to a political party. According to Uganda Prisons spokesperson Frank Baine, his station collected evidence and forwarded the case to the headquarters.
Baine confirmed that Ampe has been summoned to appear before the Prisons disciplinary committee, which will decide his fate. He explained that charges related to misconduct and political involvement can lead to dismissal, especially during a tense political period.
The Commissioner General of Prisons, Dr Johnson Byabashaija, has repeatedly warned officers that any act of indiscipline—whether online or in public political activities—will attract strong punishment. He stressed that officers found campaigning for politicians, attacking leaders, or using social media to spread partisan messages could lose their jobs.
Ampe is not alone in facing scrutiny for political involvement. Police recently launched investigations into SSP Annabella Nyiramahoro, the deputy regional police commander for Masaka, after she was filmed openly campaigning for Minister Haruna Kasolo at a rally, raising more debate about growing partisanship among uniformed officers.