A prisons officer in eastern Uganda is due to appear before a disciplinary panel after being accused of circulating political content on social media and criticising senior government officials.
Lawrence Ampe, who serves at Ngora Prisons, is alleged to run a TikTok account under the name @COP Ampe. In several videos widely shared online, he appears to accuse top figures in the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) of mismanaging the country and pursuing personal gain.
In one of the clips, Ampe is heard saying that many officers privately acknowledge the country is “not on the right track”, but remain silent out of fear. He also suggests that senior leaders “pretend to know more” while being manipulated by others.
The Uganda Prisons Service had previously cautioned Ampe and other officers against making political statements online. A circular issued on 7 October 2025 reminded staff that they are prohibited from engaging in partisan activities.
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Despite the warning, officials say Ampe continued posting political commentary and performing songs linked to a political party. Prisons spokesperson Frank Baine confirmed that evidence was compiled by Ampe’s station and forwarded to headquarters.
“He has been sharing videos on social media, sometimes even singing songs associated with particular political groups. The station submitted its findings, and he has now been summoned by the disciplinary committee,” Baine told reporters.
According to Baine, the charges — which include misconduct and breach of discipline — could lead to dismissal depending on the committee’s decision. The Commissioner General of Prisons, Dr Johnson Byabashaija, has repeatedly insisted that officers must refrain from partisan involvement, especially during politically sensitive periods.
Activities that could result in dismissal include publicly campaigning for candidates, posting political commentary online, attacking opponents at campaign events, or speaking to the media without approval.
Ampe’s case comes as security agencies investigate similar incidents. Police recently launched a probe into Senior Superintendent of Police Annabella Nyiramahoro, the deputy regional commander for Masaka, after she was filmed campaigning for Minister Haruna Kasolo. The incident has renewed concerns about political neutrality within Uganda’s security forces.
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